Key term

Definition

Branded direct‐to‐consumer advertising of prescription medicines (DTCA)

Advertising that includes a product's brand name. In the USA, this includes two types of advertising described by the Food and Drug Administration: 1) 'full product advertising', which includes the product name and health claims. Such advertising must also include information on the drug risks; 2) reminder advertising, which states the product's name but makes no health claims. In the USA, this advertising is not allowed for drugs with boxed warnings of serious risks.

Unbranded advertising of prescription medicines

Any paid advertising campaign, in any media, by a pharmaceutical manufacturer, with a focus on a condition treated by one or more of its products, but without any mention of brand or generic names.

Off‐label promotion

The term 'off‐label promotion' refers to promotion of a medicine for an unapproved use. This type of promotion is generally illegal. Physicians may prescribe a medicine for any use, whether it is approved or not, but manufacturers may not promote medicines for off‐label use.

Mixed promotion (both on‐ and off‐label)

'On‐label promotion' refers to promotion for approved uses. 'Off‐label promotion' is for unapproved uses. Mixed promotion is for both types of uses.

Generic drugs or generics

Generic drugs or generics are medicines that have no brand name or registered trademark. Once the patent for a medicine expires, other manufacturers may produce the medicine, and these products are generic drugs.

Direct‐to‐consumer advertising

Direct‐to‐consumer advertising (DTCA) refers to advertising of prescription‐only medicines aimed at the public. Such advertising is fully legal only in two countries, the USA and New Zealand.

Non‐commercial information sources

We define a non‐commercial information source to be any public or private entity, institution, non‐government organisation, foundation or society involved in distributing information about health and treatment which does not derive a commercial gain from inducing the prescription, supply, purchase and/or use of pharmaceutical products, either directly or indirectly.

Third party acting on behalf of pharmaceutical company

Any public relations consultancy, marketing company, professional society, think tank, patient and consumer group, key opinion leader, medical practice or hospital, which has been hired or funded by a pharmaceutical company to promote specific pharmaceutical products.