Lilly: Cialis samples posted after rep dated request forms (AUTH/1926/12/06)

📅 8 March 2026 | 🖉 Dr Anzal Qurbain
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Key facts

Case numberAUTH/1926/12/06
ComplainantGeneral practitioner
CompanyEli Lilly and Company Limited
ProductCialis (tadalafil)
IssueSamples received by post via an agency; disputed request/signatures; rep dated request forms
Complaint received6 December 2006
Case completed14 February 2007
Applicable Code year2006
Breach clausesClause 17.3
No breach clauses consideredClauses 2, 9.1, 15.2, 17.10
SanctionUndertaking received
AppealNo appeal

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Reviewed by Dr Anzal Qurbain (FFPM) — ABPI Final Signatory

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What happened

  • A general practitioner complained that samples of Cialis (tadalafil) were sent to him by post from an agency.
  • The GP said he had not requested the samples; correspondence suggested the agency said it had signed sample requests for three doctors, but the GP contended the signatures were not those of the doctors.
  • A Lilly representative had left sample request forms at the practice and later collected them from reception.
  • When collecting the forms, the representative completed address details and dated the forms himself, and confirmed with the receptionist which form related to which doctor.
  • Lilly said it and the agency believed the requests were valid and responded in good faith; Lilly asked the practice to investigate the signatures.
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Outcome

  • Breach: Clause 17.3 (sample request forms must be signed and dated by the applicant; here they were undated when received and dated by the representative).
  • No breach: Clause 17.10 (unsolicited medicines by post) — the Panel considered that, from Lilly’s perspective, the samples had been requested and Lilly responded in good faith.
  • No breach: Clauses 9.1 and 15.2 — despite concerns about overall arrangements, the Panel did not consider rulings warranted.
  • No breach: Clause 2 — circumstances did not warrant the particular censure reserved for Clause 2.
  • No appeal.
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