Facebook, the popular social networking website have delivered a major blow to the pharmaceutical industry. Up until now pharmaceutical companies were allowed to create accounts where they could restrict comments from followers. Many companies, such as GlaxoSmithKline, signed up to Facebook and told everyone how good their drugs were...no criticism was allowed.
An article in The Washington Post from August 12 reports on how most drug company pages will have to have open 'Walls' starting Monday [yesterday] So, I just 'Liked' GlaxoSmithKline's page and low and behold comments can now be left. Ho hum, where do I begin?
The Washington Post writes:
Companies are worried that open Walls mean risks, and many are reconsidering their engagement on Facebook. On Friday, AstraZeneca, which sells the antidepressant Seroquel, shut down a page devoted to depression. Johnson & Johnson said it will close four of its pages Monday. Other companies said they will monitor their pages more closely once the changes take effect. The industry is concerned that users might write about bad side effects, promote off-label use or make inappropriate statements about a product, and that the comments could raise concerns from government regulators.Awwww diddums, "The industry is concerned that users might write about bad side effects." - Doesn't your heart just bleed for the poor widdle pharmaceutical industwee. Pfizer are on there too. [HERE]
So, if there is anything you want to ask the relevant pharmaceutical industry regarding any of their drugs you have issue with...now's your chance folks. Let's see how long the 'big boys' keep their pages open.
All's fair in love and war.
Fid
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