217 - We are holding a patient conference where there will be sponsoring companies exhibiting. Some are companies that have Rx products and some are companies with OTC products. What are the guidelines for the exhibitors in both cases? What are the limitations, in particular, for the Rx product companies with respect to promoting their therapeutic products? The audience is a mix of patients who have several different diseases, as well as the general public.
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The consumer advertising rules apply. With regards to promoting Rx products, the advertising is restricted to name, price, and quantity. Alternatively, the manufacturer can create information pieces which don't fall into the advertising realm (e.g. Consumer Brochures or Help Seeking Messages). Refer to the Health Canada policy document "The Distinction Between Advertising and Other Activities".When promoting OTC products to consumers, the product's therapeutic use can be promoted (provided the promoted indication does not relate to treatment of a schedule A disease). Please refer to the Health Canada policy document "Consumer Advertising Guidelines for Marketed Health Products (for Nonprescription Drugs including Natural Health Products)".
