Patients Key Topic 1: Patient support programmes

It is generally acceptable for pharmaceutical companies to provide support for patients who are being treated with their products. In principle these should be to help patients better manage their disease or their treatment of it (for example by improving compliance). In addition companies may provide information for patients through communication with patient organisations.

Remember countries differ in terms of what is allowable – always check your local regulations.

Generally patient support programmes provide information, services or items. Examples of different types of patient support include: