Drug advertising: side effects are inevitable
The UK does not approve of allowing advertising of medicines in the EUIlya Dugin, Farmvestnik
The European Commission has published a number of proposals for the modernization of the pharmaceutical market, including allowing pharmaceutical manufacturers to promote information about their products. The British consumer protection organization "Which?" believes that this could lead to the unleashing of an "advertising arms race."
According to the director of the organization for public relations Peter Muri, a clear distinction is needed between the concepts of "information" and "advertising". "This can lead to a situation in the United States where patients require a doctor to prescribe them an expensive innovative drug, even if there are equally effective, but cheaper analogues on the market. Ultimately, the costs of providing medicines will increase and, as a result, the financial burden on the National Health Care system," he believes.
A survey conducted by Which? of more than 2,000 British adults showed that 69% of respondents believe that pharmaceutical companies will spend more money on advertising drugs that promise higher profits; 44% believe that pharmaceutical manufacturers will hide information about side effects; 39% are sure that through advertising companies will try to convince people in the presence of a particular disease.
Recall that currently direct advertising of medicines is allowed only in the USA and New Zealand.
Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru12.12.2008