The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has said the advert claims that Zyvox has superior cure rates compared to products containing the active ingredient vancomycin. Pfizer has suspended all advertising containing this claim.
At the time, Pfizer was in discussion with the MHRA about emerging concerns relating to the efficacy and safety of Zyvox compared to vancomycin in a clinical trial in patients with catheter-related infections.
The MHRA advised Pfizer that they need to continually review their advertising in the light of current information on the balance of risks and benefits for their products, and take appropriate action if new safety data becomes available.
Pfizer wrote to healthcare professionals this week to inform them about new safety restrictions on the use of Zyvox.
“Advertising is an important means of communication and for medicines it can provide useful information to the public and healthcare professionals about available treatments and their potential benefits. Companies must take a responsible approach to safety in their advertising in light of the risks and benefits of their product,” said Dr June Raine, Director of Vigilance and Risk Management of Medicines at the MHRA.