Latest advertising complaints upheld by the MHRA

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) routinely scrutinises medical journals, magazines to the general public and also the Internet for the promotion of licensed medicines. Complaints are investigated, and advice is provided to industry, health professionals and other regulatory bodies.

The advertising of medicines is controlled by a combination of statutory measures (with both criminal and civil sanctions), enforced by the MHRA and self-regulation through Codes of Practice for the pharmaceutical industry, administered by trade associations. The MHRA as Licensing Authority has a statutory duty on behalf of Ministers to consider breaches of The Medicines Act 1968 and Regulations on the promotion of medicines. Its key function is to protect public health by promoting the safe use of medicines, ensuring that they are honestly promoted as to their benefits, uses and effects, in compliance with current legislation. Below are the latest cases where our requests to companies have been sanctioned.

> Advertising complaint - Clinorette & Climanor 28 Tablets, healthcare professional unsolicited samples - April 2008

> Advertising complaint - Abnobaviscum Mali (endotrine), Murrays Healthcare Website - March 2008

> Advertising complaint - Fostair (beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol), MIMS February 2008

Anyone who has concerns about misleading advertising of medicines should contact the MHRA Advertising Unit, 14-112, Market Towers, Vauxhall, London SW8 5NQ or phone 020 7084 2000. Alternatively, contact the pharmaceutical self-regulatory bodies, the Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB) for advertising for over the counter medicines, or the Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA) for advertisements to health professionals for prescription medicines.