Advertisement for Relenza
CMAJ 2000;162:1663
In response to: D. Ages
Deena Ages notes that the patient information pamphlet for Relenza does not include the statement in the advertisement in CMAJ that reads "patients should be advised of the conditional nature of the market authorization for this indication." This statement is a reference to the fact that Relenza was granted a Notice of Compliance with Conditions in November 1999 by the Therapeutic Products Program of Health Canada. The statement appears at the front of the product monograph for Relenza and is directed at health care professionals; it is meant to serve primarily as an instruction to physicians.
The subject of conditional approval is complex and is very unlikely to be meaningful to a patient in the absence of an appropriate explanation from a health care professional. We believe that by instructing the prescriber to address this matter with patients, the message will be more effectively communicated and a patient's understanding will be greatly improved.
Finally, for the benefit of readers who may misinterpret Ages' reference to prophylactic use, we feel it is important to clarify that Relenza is currently approved by Health Canada only for the treatment of acute influenza, and not for influenza prevention.
Michael D. Levy
Senior Vice-President, Research and Development
Chief Medical Officer
Glaxo Wellcome Inc.
Mississauga, Ont.
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