Code of Conduct

Medicines Australia’s Code of Conduct sets the standards for the ethical marketing and promotion of prescription pharmaceutical products in Australia. It complements the legislation requirements of the Therapeutic Goods Regulations and the Therapeutic Goods Act.

Established in 1960, the pharmaceutical industry Code of Conduct has been revised on a regular basis. To ensure that the Code continues to reflect current community and professional standards and current government legislation,  an extensive review of Edition 14 of the Code was completed during 2005.  

Consultations with, and feedback from, consumer groups, peak medical associations (eg AMA, RACGP, ADGP), Pharmacy Guild and Society, member companies, government and other independent groups have provided the Code Review Committee with valuable insights, recommendations and views on the amendments to the Code.

Edition 15 of the Code took effect from 6 December 2006.

The following are the key amendments to the Code:

• Level of substantiating data
• Promotional material – including advertising, brand name reminders, competitions and printed promotional materials
• Company representatives
• Product starter packs
• Product familiarisation programs
• Sponsorship
• Research – PMS studies, market research
• Patient support programs
• Relationship with Health Consumer Organisations
• Travel
• Consultants and advisory boards
• Administration of the code
• Sanctions
• Appeals – appeal process open to complainants
• Membership of Committees
• External reporting – quarterly reporting

Code provisions include standards for appropriate advertising, the behaviour of medical representatives and relationships with healthcare professionals. Medicines Australia’s Code of Conduct, which was established in 1960, has been revised on a regular basis.

The Code of Conduct has two arms, firstly the adjudication of complaints undertaken by the Code of Conduct Committee and secondly the proactive monitoring of promotional activities undertaken by the Monitoring Committee.

Areas covered by the Code of Conduct include:

• Nature and Availability of Information and Claims – false and misleading claims, level of substantiating data
• Types of Product Information
• Promotional Material – advertisements, brand name reminders, competitions, gifts and offers
• Company Representatives – medical representatives
• Product Starter Packs
• Involvement in Educational Symposia, Congresses and Satellite Meetings – trade displays
• Sponsorship
• Research
• Relationship with the General Public
• Relationship with Healthcare Professionals – travel, hospitality, remuneration, entertainment, consultants and advisory boards
• Administration of the Code – complaints process, committee membership
• Sanctions
• Appeals
• Monitoring
• Compliance Procedures
• Reporting

Contact Details for Questions or Complaints

If you have any concerns in relation to the activities of a prescription medicine company or wish to lodge a complaint please contact the Secretary, Code of Conduct Committee at Medicines Australia on 02 6282 6888 (9.00am – 5.00pm Monday – Friday) or send an email to secretarycodecommittee@medicinesaustralia.com.au.

For detailed information on the Code of Conduct please refer to the Code document on this website or contact Medicines Australia on 02 6282 6888.