What is information and what is advertising? This question is often difficult to answer. However, in relation to diseases / medicines the answer is very important. Advertising to the public for medicines that are available only on prescription is prohibited, information is allowed.
Fortunately, there is now more clarity in the Netherlands. The Dutch self regulatory organisations for advertising on medicines (CGR and KAG) made a Guideline. This guideline contains detailed rules for providing information on diseases and syndromes with reference to medicines that are available only on prescription. For example based on the Guideline information must be provided balanced and as complete as possible, and information may not be misleading. Furthermore, the Guideline prescribes how information on websites, testimonals and tests for self-diagnosis should be provided.
The Guideline applies to all information, regardless of the medium. So it is about information in brochures, on websites, but also about information in television commercials.
There is a transition period of six months. By 1 April 2011 the guideline will have effect.
You will find the text of the Guideline here.
Kim Braber
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office Emerald House Jozef Israëlskade 48-G Amsterdam, the Netherlands t +31 (0)20 - 305 3066 www.hoogenhaak.nl |
post PO Box 76780 1070 KB Amsterdam e info@hoogenhaak.nl f +31 (0)20 - 305 3069 chamber of commerce 34314579 |
What is information and what is advertising? This question is often difficult to answer. However, in relation to diseases / medicines the answer is very important. Advertising to the public for medicines that are available only on prescription is prohibited, information is allowed.
Fortunately, there is now more clarity in the Netherlands. The Dutch self regulatory organisations for advertising on medicines (CGR and KAG) made a Guideline. This guideline contains detailed rules for providing information on diseases and syndromes with reference to medicines that are available only on prescription. For example based on the Guideline information must be provided balanced and as complete as possible, and information may not be misleading. Furthermore, the Guideline prescribes how information on websites, testimonals and tests for self-diagnosis should be provided.
The Guideline applies to all information, regardless of the medium. So it is about information in brochures, on websites, but also about information in television commercials.
There is a transition period of six months. By 1 April 2011 the guideline will have effect.
You will find the text of the Guideline here.
Kim Braber