Codes of Practice

The advertising of medicinal products in Ireland is regulated by the Medicinal Products (Control of Advertising) Regulations, 2007Links to external website. These Regulations enact in Irish law Directive 2001/83/ECLinks to external website as amended by Directive 2004/27/ECLinks to external website relating to medicinal products for human use.

IPHA is active in ensuring the highest possible standards of advertising and promotion of both prescription and non-prescription or consumer healthcare medicines to both healthcare professionals and the general public alike. It does so by administering a number of Codes of Practice, in particular, the Code of Marketing Practice for the Pharmaceutical Industry and the Code of Advertising Standards for the Consumer Healthcare Industry which set out detailed guidance to assist pharmaceutical companies in complying with the Medicinal Products (Control of Advertising) Regulations, 2007Links to external website.

The objective of these Codes is to ensure the highest possible standards in the promotion and advertising of medicines.

Codes Quick View


 

 
 
Code of Marketing Practice for the Pharmaceutical Industry, Edition 7.3
The Code of Marketing Practice for the Pharmaceutical Industry, Edition 7.3 provides guidance on the advertising and promotion of prescription and non-prescription medicines to doctors and pharmacists.
Code of Standards of Advertising Practice for the Consumer Healthcare Industry, Revision 5.1
The Code of Standards of Advertising Practice for the Consumer Healthcare Industry, Revision 5.1 covers advertisements for non-prescription medicines (also known as over-the-counter or OTC medicines) aimed at the general public, i.e. press, TV, radio, outdoor poster advertising and promotional activities in pharmacies for specific products.
Sanctions
If an advertisement is found to be in breach of either Codes of Practice a number of sanctions may be imposed.
How to make a complaint
Anyone who believes that a particular advertisement is in breach of either Code, may submit a complaint to IPHA. Complaints are heard by committees comprised of industry representatives and representatives of various other bodies and chaired by an independent legally-qualified chairman.
 

IPHA is a member of -

IFPMAAESGPEFPIA

For medicines and clinical trials information visit -

medicines.ieself-care.ieIFPMA Portal