english.prescrire.org > Topics > Advancing healthcare policy > Advancing healthcare policy in Europe: a chronological recap of actions > 2008-2010 Recap > Towards DTC advertising for prescription drugs? The autumn will be crucial (continued) (11/2010)

Advancing healthcare policy

Advancing healthcare policy in Europe: a chronological recap of actions

A recap of actions in 2008-2010
Towards direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription drugs?
The autumn will be crucial (continued) (November 2010)

On 28 September 2010, the European Parliament's Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee gave its verdict on the European Commission's proposals aiming to legalise direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) for prescription drugs. The vote on the first reading, in plenary session, is scheduled for 23 November 2010.

With their 28 September vote, the MEPs improved upon the European Commission's original, unacceptable, proposals. Most notably, they refused to lend their approval to several forms of hidden advertising, and proposed monitoring by Member states' health authorities as a safeguard.

Nonetheless, despite these remedial measures, the proposed Directive and Regulation still do not represent a step forward for European citizens, but will instead result in increased risks for patients (for more details, read the complete document from the Medicines in Europe Forum).

The Medicines in Europe Forum is continuing its work to build awareness among MEPs and members of the Council of Health Ministers.

To be continued.

For more information :

  • "Pharmaceutical companies “informing” the public: one step closer to legalising reminder advertising for prescription drugs?"
    Briefing paper (November 2010)
    > Download (pdf, 213 Ko)

©Medicines in Europe Forum November 2010