Research on the identification of messages contained in the implicatures of advertisements of over-the-counter products sold in pharmacies in Poland

Abstract

Reports by institutions monitoring this market show that of over PLN 7 billion spent annually in Poland on advertising, almost half is spent on advertising OTC medicines, medical devices and dietary supplements (Instytut Monitorowania Mediów, 2019). Considering this, and taking into account legal regulations that significantly limit promotion at the point of sale (Art. 93 of the Pharmaceutical Law Act), advertising seems to be the most important tool for stimulating demand for over-the-counter products as well as one a basic source of of the residents of Poland on ailments, their treatment and prevention. The study examined 71 advertisements, including 47 ads for medicines, 10 for medical devices, 12 for dietary supplements and 1 ad for food for special medical purposes. Among the sample, 27% ads contained manipulation in the marketing message. The current tools of market control institutions enable the analysis of explicit claims but not implied messages in advertising. Our analysis shows that this is not enough to protect patients and other market participants from misleading or false advertising. It is absolutely necessary to enhance the control over the advertising of medicines, dietary supplements and medical devices by analysing the implications contained in the advertisements.