Search

Aim: To evaluate the scientific and ethical status of the drug promotional literatures available in Indian market using WHO criteria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out in department of pharmacology for evaluation of 142 drug promotional literatures by WHO-criteria, collected randomly from various regions of Gujarat. They were also analyzed for different claims, catchy terms, quality of paper and print, and representation of data with statistics/diagram/ table. The references cited in the literatures were evaluated for their source, year of publication, authenticity, and retrievability. Results: 49% of literatures were designed for promotion of fixed dose-drug combinations (FDCs). Chemotherapeutic agents and cardiovascular drugs were most promoted drug groups (19% each). None of the drug promotional literature fulfilled all the WHO criteria. Description of pharmacological effects and mechanism of action was not given in 54% and 80% of literatures, respectively. Majority (80-90%) were lacking information related to indications, correct dosage regimen, and dose adjustments in special situations. Most neglected aspect of drug promotion was mentioning about adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, precautions, and over dosage (<10%). False/tall claims, catchy/broken statements were given in 86% and 72% of literatures, respectively. Irrelevant diagrams were shown in 69%, statistical data for support in 7%, and tabular presentation in 5% of literatures. References were cited in 67% of literatures, of which 98% were from indexed-journals and were retrievable. Conclusion: Critical review of drug promotional literatures can make drug prescribing more effective. If drug promotional literatures fulfill all WHO guidelines, it can make promotion ethical and rational. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The study was aimed to evaluate collected drug promotional brochures for accuracy, consistency, and validity of the information presented in it, using World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for ethical medicinal drug promotion. Drug promotional brochures were evaluated for the type of claims and pictorial content presented in it and for references cited in support of these claims. Material and Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient department of Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, India. In addition to the fulfillment of "WHO criteria, 1988," we examined 513 promotional brochures for the type of claims and pictorial content presented in it and references quoted in support of claims to check their retrievability, type, and authenticity. Results: None of the promotional literature fulfilled all WHO criteria. Majority (92%) brochures claimed about the efficacy of product, and a few about safety (37.8%). Out of 1003 references given in support of various claims, 84.4% were from journals and only 28.5% were validly presented researches. Brochures presenting irrelevant pictures were 41.3%, whereas brief prescription information (BPI) of the promoted drug was given only by 8.8% brochures. Conclusion: Pharmaceutical industries did not follow the WHO guidelines while promoting their products, thus aiming to satisfying their commercial motive rather than fulfill the educational aspect of promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]