E-DRUG: Revised EU proposals on 'information' to patients: risks of DTCA remain
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The Council of Health Ministers (EPSCO Council) takes place these 1 and 2 December in Brussels to discuss the revised Directive proposal on "information" to patients about prescription-only medicines. [Direct to Consumer Advertising (DTCA)]
Despite improvements, the revised proposal leaves an open door to advertising. Direct-to-consumer "information" on prescription medicines by manufacturers exposes citizens to misleading messages, puts public health at risk and threatens Member States's social protection systems.
The Medicines in Europe Forum, the International Society of Drug Bulletins (ISDB) and Health Action International (HAI) Europe oppose any weakening of the current regulations on advertising of prescription-only medicines in Europe.
See joint press release entitled: "Revised proposal for a Directive on "information" to patients: some improvements, but risks of DTCA (direct-to-consumer advertising) remain". http://www.isdbweb.org/documents/uploads/press/En_2011_12_DTCA%20Press%20Release.pdf
Thank you for your attention.
Best regards,
Medicines in Europe Forum, ISDB & HAI Europe
Contacts: pierrechirac@aol.com (MiEF); press@isdbweb.org (ISDB); teresa@haiweb.org & rose@haieurope.org (HAI Europe)
Christophe KOPP <ckopp@prescrire.org>