Codes of Practice - Introduction
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Advertising is one of the most important means of promoting the benefits of self-medication to both consumers and healthcare professionals. Since 1919, PAGB has run a pre-publication approval system to ensure member companies’ consumer advertising is responsible and not misleading. PAGB checks consumer advertising for compliance against the PAGB Medicines Advertising Codes (or the PAGB Medicines Advertising Codes for Traditional Herbal Medicines). The codes are the primary means of self-regulatory control for OTC medicines advertising and outline a set of principles with which member companies are required to comply. They are updated from time to time in consultation with members and other stakeholders. It is a condition of membership that all advertising, aimed at consumers, must be submitted to PAGB for approval. The system has an excellent track-record and in 2006 not a single complaint was upheld! PAGB does not operate a pre-publication approval system for member companies’ healthcare professional advertising. However, the PAGB Medicines Advertising Codes detail the requirements for advertising aimed at healthcare professionals and it is a condition of PAGB membership that companies comply with this code. PAGB’s other advertising services include:
PAGB has also developed, with input from MHRA, the Code of Practice for Pack Design for Over-the-counter Medicines to encourage best practice in medicines labelling and provide practical advice to manufacturers designing and amending the packaging of OTC medicines. Member companies can submit non-statutory pack design changes to PAGB for pre-approval in compliance with the Code, and then consequent expedited approval from MHRA. PAGB can also provide advice on changes to the statutory information. For further information please contact Lucy Rochford, PAGB Advertising Manager on 020 7421 9306 or Joanne Rodrigues, PAGB Advertising and Pack Design Coordinator on 020 7242 9303. |
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