Health Policy

Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Prescription Drugs

January 1, 2013

The Doctors of BC believes the prohibition on direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription drugs should continue and be enforced in Canada.

Health Canada should appoint a watchdog to oversee and regulate drug manufacturers’ promotional activities to the public and all health care providers and prescribers.

The Doctors of BC supports the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) guidelines on appropriate relationships between physicians and the pharmaceutical industry and encourages other health care providers to adopt similar guidelines.

The BC Ministry of Health, in conjunction with the Doctors of BC and other health professional organizations, including but not limited to the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia, the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia, the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores, and the College of Physicians & Surgeons of British Columbia, should develop and provide accurate, unbiased prescription drug information to patients.

 For more information, including background, analysis and references, please see the full policy statement.