FDA cracks down on drug makers not following regulations on Facebook

Pharmaceutical companies that use Facebook’s “Share” application to promote their products must comply with existing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, according to a recent letter from the agency.

The FDA recently sent a letter to Novartis for misuse of the Facebook Share widget on its website for the leukemia medication Tasigna, according to TechDailyDose. The letter states that the information on the application is “misleading because it makes representations about the efficacy of Tasigna, but fails to communicate any risk information associated with the use of this drug.”

Facebook Share allows users to post content such as webpages, pictures or videos to their profiles by generating a brief preview and thumbnail image. One such brief description of Tasigna first drew the FDA’s attention. Drug makers are required to list side effects and potential risks in all marketing materials.

In response, Novartis immediately removed the app in question and said it will continue to discuss the issue with the FDA and ensure all of its websites comply with regulations.