Forum Update: Supporting Community-Led Discussion
The forum was created as a space for shared learning and peer support, and as the community grows, we want to lean more fully into that purpose.
Going forward, PAAB will be taking a more listening-first role in forum discussions. Rather than responding immediately to every question, we’ll be encouraging members to engage with one another, share experiences, and help build collective understanding. PAAB will continue to monitor conversations and will step in to:
- Correct any misunderstandings
- Provide guidance when questions remain unanswered after a few days
- Support discussions where official clarification is needed
Our goal is to foster a collaborative, trusted community where knowledge is shared and strengthened by everyone’s contributions.
Thank you for being part of the conversation.
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)".
