The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 2 of 2 — John Shaqi
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 2 of 2Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry (American Medical Association)
Science
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 2 of 2
Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry (American Medical Association)
Patent medicines
_Naming Diseases on Labels._--The naming of diseases on the label
or package is not necessary, as is shown by the very large number
of proprietary products which have been successfully introduced
without resorting to this expedient. This method of popularizing a
proprietary remedy with the laity is most objectionable, and should not
be tolerated in any form. In general, therapeutic indications should
be omitted from the label and package. The Council will not insist
on this point, however, when such indications are so given as not to
promote self-medication, particularly in diseases which require expert
diagnosis and supervision. It will be considered an infringement of
the rule if an article be marketed in bottles which have the name of
the article blown into the glass, or if otherwise the name or initials
or other distinctive mark of the article is permanently stamped on
the container, on the article itself, or is on the stoppers or seals.
Articles which are marketed in any of these ways are not accepted
for New and Nonofficial Remedies. Readily removable labels are not
objectionable, nor is the permanent affixing of the firm’s initials or
name to the trade package if such initials or name is not suggestive of
the article. The Council does not countenance the use of an accepted
article for advertising other articles which have not been accepted by
the Council.
Explanation of Rule 5: False Claims as to Origin
_Source._--No false or misleading statement in regard to an article can
be permitted concerning the source of material from which it is made,
or the persons by whom it is made. Some glaring frauds of this nature
have been perpetrated in the past, and this rule is intended to prevent
such imposition.
Explanation of Rule 6: Unwarranted Therapeutic Claims
_Therapeutic Questions._--This rule insists that the claims of
manufacturers or agents concerning the therapeutic properties of their
products must be compatible with demonstrable facts. Manufacturers
will be held responsible for all statements made or quoted in their
advertising “literature” regarding their products. Recognizing the
existence of honest differences of opinion on many therapeutic
questions, the Council desires to be liberal in the application of
this rule. It is natural that a manufacturer should be partial toward
his own product, and a moderate degree of emphasis in advertising may
not be objectionable. The Council, however, will not admit claims which
are neither in harmony with already accepted facts nor supported by
acceptable evidence. In doubtful cases the Council considers these
questions with the advice and cooperation of its staff of clinical
consultants.
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