News > Medicines information

European Commission
The European Commission adopted the ‘pharmaceutical package’ draft Directive last week. It includes allowing pharmaceutical companies to provide more information on prescription drugs direct to the public. The Europe-wide ban on direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising will however remain.

The Picker Institute covered the news in their bulletin and in it stated that this has been very significantly watered down during the last year’s campaigns by patient, professional and consumer groups.  The European Council and European Parliament will consider the proposals in 2009-10. 

European Commissioner Vice President Gunter Verheugen said "Everything we are suggesting today builds on the needs and interests of patients. European citizens should benefit from safe innovative and accessible medicines. they should be best informed about available medicines and treatments - since their own health is at stake."

The Directive and associated documents are on the DG Enterprise and Industry website.

United States
Meanwhile in the US, where direct to consumer advertising is allowed, changes have been made to legisliation there to tighten the guidleines. From early next year, direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription drugs must show clearly if the health care professionals who appear in the ads are actors.  If they are genuine health professionals they must make it clear if they have been paid.

For more on this news story go to: www.pharmatimes.com/WorldNews/article.aspx?id=14944&src=EWorldNews