Prescription drug advertisements in Canada must meet specific regulatory requirements.
Health Canada regulates drug promotion in Canada. Consumer advertisements for prescription drugs must meet specific regulatory requirements that are outlined in the Canada Food and Drug Regulations.
Health Product Advertising
Health Canada defines health product advertising as any representation of health products by any means (print, online, television, etc.) for the purpose of promoting directly or indirectly their sale or distribution. Only products that have been authorized for sale in Canada by the health products and food branch of Health Canada can be advertised. The advertising of narcotic and controlled drugs to consumers is illegal.
Non-Prescription Drugs and Health Products
Advertisements for non-prescription drugs and health products directed at consumers are reviewed and approved by independent agencies that publicly attest to meeting Health Canada's criteria for preclearance of these advertisements. Guidelines for preclearance are set by Health Canada. For example, Guideline 1.8 requires that an advertisement not be misleading by directly or indirectly exaggerating the degree of relief or benefit to be obtained from the use of the advertised product.
Advertising to Health Professionals
Advertisements directed at health professionals must be reviewed and approved by the Pharmaceutical Advertising Advisory Board (PAAB). The PAAB and Advertising Standards Canada also provide advisory opinions on advertisements directed to consumers for prescription drugs and educational materials related to medical conditions or diseases.
Drug Promotion Regulations
Section C.01.027 of the Canada Food and Drug Regulations says that advertisements to the general public regarding a drug for human use must reference only the brand name, proper name, common name, price and quantity of the drug. This applies regardless of the means of advertising and includes the online promotion of drugs. Health Canada also requires that health product advertising not be false, misleading or deceptive. It is illegal in Canada to aggressively market drugs for off-label use.
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