Need for a medicine advertising regulation in Cuba

Abstract

Introduction: Medications are an essential part of health care services. Over the last century, their use has grown enormously. A crucial component in promoting the appropriate use of medicines is accurate information about medicines for health professionals and consumers. Rational drug promotion has also been the subject of reflection by physicians, pharmacists, health workers, politicians, businessmen, and even the population itself. The inappropriate use of drugs has significant social, economic and health consequences. For several years, different countries have been in charge of regulating drug promotion.
Objective: To know the state of the art of the regulation of drug promotion and advertising worldwide and in Cuba.
Methods: A bibliographic review was carried out on the regulation and promotion of medicines in international organizations and different countries.
Conclusions: In Cuba, drug promotion is governed by the Regulation of Pharmaceutical Products Surveillance, but there are some factors that can influence it negatively and promote the inadequate and unsafe use of medicines.