Free drugs are concerning
June 4, 2012
ADVERTISING which offers free
atorvastatin is sending the wrong
message to consumers, according
to the Pharmaceutical Society of
Australia.
The advertisements were created
by Chemist Warehouse, and have
been published in newspapers
including the Courier Mail, featuring
the tag line in large bold print “Generic
Lipitor now available from $0”.
In offering the supply of
medicine in this manner, the
adverts are, according to the PSA,
in opposition to the PSA Code of
Ethics.
“Advertisements like this do not
take into account Quality Use of
Medicines issues which are
paramount in ensuring the best
possible health outcomes for
patients,” said PSA National
President Grant Kardachi.
“I have full confidence that the
relevant authorities will take
whatever appropriate action is
required over this advertisement
and those responsible for it,”
Kardachi added.
Meanwhile the PSA also
expressed concern that the adverts
may undermine the current push
for professional services, by
conveying the message to the
public that the supply of medicines
is the only concern of pharmacists.
“This is not the case and at PSA
we are more focused on
pharmacists engaging with
consumers to improve the use of
medicines and achieving their
optimal use,” said Kardachi.
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