The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 279 No 7459 p7
7 July 2007

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Which? calls for more limits on medicines marketing

Which?, formerly the Consumers Association, has called for new limits over the promotion of medicines by pharmaceutical companies and more sources of independent information on drugs.

The July issue of the organisation’s monthly magazine Which? describes a survey of 200 GPs shortly after the introduction of a new code of practice by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry at the start of 2006 and again a year later.

“Despite GPs being more aware of the code this year, the overwhelming picture is that little has changed in the amount of contact GPs have with pharmaceutical businesses,” Which? said.

An ABPI spokesman said that it was perfectly right and proper for pharmaceutical companies to contact health professionals to inform them about their products.

“It would be wrong if they did not do that,” he said.