Tag Archives: TGA

Are ginkgo enthusiasts being conned?

October 5, 2009 – 12:56 pm

The Ginkgo biloba or Maidenhair tree is a beautiful creature, and I’ve several growing myself.
But the gardener’s delight may be a patient’s peril – recent tests suggest some ginkgo products in Australia have been adulterated and that consumers are being conned.

Dr Ken Harvey, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow in the School of Public Health at [...]

By Croakey | Posted in TGA, complementary medicines, consumer health information | Also tagged , | Comments (8)

More on Sigma, cruising, and product promotions

July 9, 2009 – 9:04 pm

Further to the post below re Ken Harvey’s concerns about Sigma, cruises, and product promotion….the ceo of the Generic Medicines Industry Association, Kate Lynch, has advised Harvey that:
“…under the requirements of the Therapeutic Goods Act (1989), the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (2007) and as stipulated in the Therapeutic Good Administration’s letter of marketing approval, Sponsor [...]

By Croakey | Posted in Media-related issues, pharmaceutical industry | Also tagged , , | Comments (2)

TGA faces some questions over Sigma cruise

July 8, 2009 – 5:54 pm

Sue Dunlevy did this story about Sigma, a generic drug manufacturer, wanting to take GPs and pharmacists on a luxury cruise visiting Italy, Malta, Corsica and Monte Carlo.  Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett is billed as the keynote speaker at the conference advertised in the Australian Doctor magazine. The story was also picked up here.
Dr [...]

By Croakey | Posted in Media-related issues, health & medical marketing, pharmaceutical industry, pharmacy | Also tagged , , , | Comments (1)

When is an ad not an ad?

June 8, 2009 – 2:15 pm

On Friday, April 17, a Pfizer advertisement told readers of the West Australian newspaper: “If you are taking multiple medicines for conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, there are combination options that can reduce the number of tablets you take. And the amount of money you pay.”
The advertisement had a section for [...]

By Croakey | Posted in consumer health information, health & medical marketing, pharmaceutical industry | Also tagged , , | Comments (2)

Some questions for federal authorities on weight loss products

May 8, 2009 – 10:34 am

Ever since news broke about a US recall of weight loss products called Hydroxycut, the one-man industry watchdog Dr Ken Harvey has been on a campaign to get some action in Australia.
The Food and Drug Administration says the supplements have been associated with serious side effects, including liver toxicity.  In Canada, a class action law [...]

By Croakey | Posted in Media-related issues, TGA, adverse events, complementary medicines, health & medical marketing, weight loss products | Also tagged , | Comments (0)

The blue continues over weight loss product guidelines

February 18, 2009 – 10:52 am

Ken Harvey’s recent Crikey piece about the TGA’s draft guidelines for evidence on weight loss products has apparently ruffled a few industry feathers.
Pharma Focus recently reported the ASMI’s concerns about “mischievous misrepresentation” of the guidelines.
The discussion continues below. Read on…
Part 1
From: Ken Harvey, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow
School of Public Health, La Trobe University
To: Deon Schoombie, [...]

By Croakey | Posted in TGA, evidence-based issues, obesity, weight loss products | Also tagged , | Comments (2)