Advertising of medicinal products

Advertising of medicinal products must encourage people to use the products appropriately in accordance with the Medicines Act. The advertising of medicinal products must not be improper or induce people to use the products unnecessarily. The Finnish Medicines Agency FIMEA monitors the advertising of medicinal products.

The advertising of medicinal products is prescribed under:

-  Medicines Act (395/1987), §§91-93
-  Medicines Decree, §§25, 25a-i §
-  Consumer Protection Act (38/1978)

Finnish Medicines Agency intervenes in the illegal advertising of medicinal products on the basis of a defect or fault in such advertising. The process can be initiated by a complaint submitted to FIMEA,  also one submitted by a private individual. The complaint must always include the complainant’s contact information. No anonymous complaints are processed.

Finnish Medicines Agency sends a reprimand to the pharmaceutical company concerning fraudulent marketing or a clarification request and a copy of the complaint submitted, but will not provide the complainant’s contact information. The company is given the opportunity to submit a rejoinder, on the basis of which FIMEA will then decide on the need for further action. If further action is required, the company will be informed of the action in writing and can also submit a rejoinder. Both the company and the complainant will be informed of the action taken and the conclusion of the process.

Additional information:
Kristiina Pellas, Senior Pharmaceutical Inspector, t. +358 9 4733 4336
Kirsti Villikka, Head of Unit, t.+359 9 47334 321
Erkki Palva, Director, t. +358 9 4733 4288

Updated 17.2.2010.