Important Update
The 2011 versions of the PAGB Medicines Advertising Codes were launched at a PAGB
Members’ Meeting on 10 May. The rules that have changed are listed below:
Consumer Code: rule 20 - prescription strength claims, rule 21
– absorption claims, rule 27 – new claims, rule 31 – herbal claims, rule 32 – natural
claims, rule 43 – top parity claims, rule 53 – Internet advertising, rule 57 – essential
information required on PPC advertising on Internet search engines.
Professional Code: rule 8 - prescription strength claims, rule
10 – absorption claims, rule 12 – new claims, rule 18 – herbal claims, rule 19 –
natural claims, rule 24 – top parity claims.
Transition Period: All new materials must comply with the new PAGB
Medicines Advertising Codes by 1 December 2011.
All existing materials (including websites) must comply with the new PAGB Medicines
Advertising Codes by 1 June 2012.
The same transition periods apply to both the Consumer Code and the Professional
Code.
PowerPoint Presentation
PAGB has prepared a PowerPoint presentation which shows the amendments to the Codes
and provides guidance on the new rules. The presentation is intended to be used
as a training tool and to enable you and your colleagues to become up-to-speed with
the new Codes. PAGB members may request a copy of the presentation by emailing copyclearance@pagb.co.uk
Welcome
This website is the first online version of the PAGB Medicines Advertising Codes. The Medicines Advertising Codes are the primary means of self-regulation for advertising of over-the-counter medicines that are subject to a Marketing Authorisation. The website is designed to make the codes accessible and user- friendly, complete with various search functions, checklists and case studies.
The horizontal navigational tabs (seen above) guide you through the Code.
The Consumer Code applies to advertising materials aimed at consumers and those persons who may legitimately purchase medicines on behalf of a consumer (e.g. parents who purchase medicines on behalf of their children). This section also includes details of the PAGB pre-publication approval system for member companies’ consumer advertising.
The Professional Code applies to advertising that is aimed wholly or mainly at persons qualified to prescribe or supply, where the objective is to influence sales and/or recommendations to the general public.
The drop down menus take you through the various sections of the Codes. From here you can access the rules of the Codes and the accompanying guidance (as shown below).
To help you access and understand the Codes, we’ve added various elements:
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advanced search – to help you find the rules relevant to you, you can search by keywords, a free text search, or by using the menus and prompts provided
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search by questions – these are frequently asked questions. By choosing the ones relevant to your query, you will be taken to the relevant rule(s)
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advertising case studies show common mistakes made in over-the-counter medicines advertising, provide explanations and a link to the relevant rule(s)
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'In Practice' panels (as shown below) contain handy ‘Do's and Don'ts’ and highlight the appropriate SmPC sections for quick reference.
We want to hear from you
This website is intended to make the PAGB Medicines Advertising Codes more accessible for you, so we want to get your feedback. If you like or dislike something, have any queries or suggestions, please click on the feedback button from wherever you are in the site and leave your comments.