The advertising of medicinal products in Ireland is regulated by the Medicinal Products (Control of Advertising) Regulations, 2007. These Regulations enact in Irish law Directive 2001/83/EC as amended by Directive 2004/27/EC 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, 2007.
The objective of these Codes is to ensure the highest possible standards in the promotion and advertising of medicines.
Code of Marketing Practice for the Pharmaceutical Industry, 7th Edition
The Code of Marketing Practice for the Pharmaceutical Industry, 7th Edition provides guidance on the advertising and promotion of prescription and non-prescription medicines to healthcare professionals.
Code of Advertising Standards for the Consumer Healthcare Industry, 5th Revision
The Code of Standards of Advertising Practice for the Consumer Healthcare Industry, 5th Revision 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.
Any individual who believes that a particular promotional activity is in breach of either Codes may submit a complaint to code@ipha.ie. Complaints are heard by committees comprised of industry representatives, independent lay members and chaired by an independent chairman.