Evaluation of pharmaceutical drug information brochures in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

Objective A major marketing tool used by pharmaceutical companies in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates is direct‐to‐healthcare professional marketing utilizing promotional drug information brochures. The aim was to investigate whether the information in promotional brochures presented to healthcare professionals in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi by pharmaceutical representatives complied with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) criteria for brochures. Methods The Health Authority – Abu Dhabi Poison & Drug Information Center evaluated these brochures from July to November 2010 using FDA criteria based on accuracy, balance of risk and benefits, prescribing information consistency, and whether the information was supported by strong clinical studies. Some 117 brochures for prescription‐only medications were screened. Key findings Twenty‐nine per cent of the screened brochures fared well in the four criteria, while 71% of the brochures fared well in three or fewer. Subgroup analysis was compared 81 branded products with 36 generics. The results showed 39 branded products passed in all four criteria compared with two items for generics (P < 0.0001) in the balance of risks and benefits criterion. The other three criteria were not statistically significant; however, a comparison of all branded versus generic product brochures was statistically significant (P = 0.003). Conclusion This study highlights the need for healthcare professionals in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to remain cautious about promotional material presented by pharmaceutical representatives. In addition, the practice warrants regulatory oversight to ensure that prescribing practices are not influenced by inappropriate drug information.

Information seeking behavior and awareness among physicians regarding drug information centers in Saudi Arabia

“…Drug reference books, advice from colleagues, and scientific papers/journals were reported as the frequently utilized drug information resources by physicians 7. The brochures of pharmaceutical companies was another common source of drug information for physicians; however, brochures lacking appropriate scientific evidence can also compromise patient safety 8. Physicians are the first point of contact in clinical care, and their acquaintance with evidence-based drug information promotes rational prescribing behaviors that eventually lead to a better patient outcome 7…”

Physicians’ Perception of Drug Information Resources in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi-UAE

“…Early studies have indicated that direct mail from pharmaceutical manufacturers was the most frequently used source of information by physicians [3], with neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia [5] and the United Arab Emirates being no exceptions as these are a major source of information for physicians [6], since access to full text journal articles and access to resources is limited in these countries [1]. Reliance on these sources of information is problematic as these sources are commercially-oriented and make the information suspect [1].…”

An investigation into the pharmaceutical advertising in Iranian medical journals

“…Comparative advertising with another product is not permitted. The use of healthcare professionals for medical or drug advertising and advertising directed at children are not allowed [ 29 ]. India In India , pharmaceutical advertising includes any notice, circular, label, package, or other documents, as well as any notice produced or transmitted orally or by light, sound, or smoke.…”

“…Comparative advertising with another product is not permitted. The use of healthcare professionals for medical or drug advertising and advertising directed at children are not allowed [29].…”