Direct Mail Marketing by Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Pharmacy Chains

The Academy is opposed to the practice of pharmaceutical manufacturers contracting with pharmacy chains to contact patients on their behalf through customized mailings based on information derived from the pharmacy chains database except for the following reasons: evidence-based disease management, patient compliance or reminder programs. Such programs should meet the following conditions:

patients should have the opportunity to "opt-in" rather than being forced to "opt-out" of such programs, and should have the ability at any time to stop receiving such mailings;
any material sent to patients should clearly indicate that a pharmaceutical manufacturer is funding the program; and,
marketing material should clearly state that no change in dosage or medications should be undertaken without the patient first discussing the issue with his/her physician.

(2003)