Marketing pharmaceuticals
The Finnish Medicines Agency, Fimea, is the authority in charge of controlling the marketing of pharmaceuticals. For 50 years, its operations have been complemented by the independent and voluntary control system managed by the pharmaceutical industry.
The PIF Code of Ethics complements the control exercised by the authorities. The Code contains detailed provisions on the pharmaceutical marketing and information targeted at consumers and healthcare professionals.
The voluntary control of marketing exercised by the industry is open. Anyone suspecting non-compliance with the Code by a PIF member company can lodge a complaint.
Ground rules for marketing:
- The marketing of prescription-only medicines can only be targeted at individuals authorised to prescribe or dispense medicines, in other words professionals who need pharmaceutical information in their work: physicians, dentists and veterinarians, as well as the pharmaceutical staff at pharmacies.
- Marketing to consumers can only apply to self-care medicines, which are available without a prescription. Consumer marketing of prescription-only medicines is prohibited.
- A pharmaceutical company can inform consumers about various diseases and their prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The health information focused on disease awareness must guide the consumer towards additional information on health promotion and the treatment of the disease.
Learn more about the PIF Code of Ethics.
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