Abstract
The Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products
("Swissmedic") changed its practice regarding the
requirement of pre-approval of advertising for certain categories
of medicinal products in print as well as in audiovisual media.
Since January 1st, 2017, pre-approval is
only required for advertising those analgesics, sleeping drugs,
sedatives, laxatives and anorectics with a potential for
abuse and addiction.
Current pre-approval requirements depending on media
channel
Switzerland is not part of the European Union and regulates
advertising independently. Advertising pharmaceuticals to the
public in Switzerland is only allowed for medicinal products
available without prescription (art. 2 para 1(b) of the
Swiss Federal Act on Medicinal Products and Medical Devices). In
case of violations of advertising regulations, Swissmedic can,
among other measures, seize advertising material, temporarily or
permanently prohibit advertising for certain products and
