BMJ  2008;336:792-793 (12 April), doi:10.1136/bmj.39545.406262.DB

News

EC proposals fail to distinguish between information and advertising

Rory Watson

1 Brussels

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Moves by the European Commission to allow drug companies to use the television, radio, and print media to provide information on prescription drugs to consumers throughout Europe are being strongly criticised by medical and consumer organisations.

As the two month public consultation on possible changes to existing European legislation ended on Monday, opponents warned that the initiative failed to make a clear distinction between information and advertising; would drive up public health costs; and could endanger patients’ health.

The criticism came from a group of 11 health organisations that represent doctors, insurance organisations, pharmacists, and patients as well as the Brussels based European Consumers’ Organisation (BEUC). They included the groups Medicines in Europe Forum and Health Action International Europe.

Justifying the need for a change in existing practices, the EC had noted that "patients have become more empowered and proactive." As a result they require information to decide which treatment . . . [Full text of this article]


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