Legal Issues Concerning the Promotion of Pharmaceutical Products on the Internet to Consumers

In 1996, the promotion of pharmaceutical products on the internet was a new and developing practice, with companies like those marketing Rogaine, Claritin, and Nicorette beginning to establish online presences. Most companies focused on providing general company information rather than product-specific details due to legal concerns about consumer-directed promotion. At the time, there was little guidance from government agencies on how internet advertising should be regulated, although these agencies indicated they would eventually play a regulatory role. The legal landscape was largely undeveloped, with few decisions addressing internet-related issues, particularly concerning pharmaceuticals.