In the pharmaceutical industry, LBL stands for Leave Behind Literature. These are essentially promotional pamphlets or materials that medical representatives (often called "reps") distribute to doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals after a sales call or product presentation.
Purpose of Leave Behind Literature
LBLs serve several crucial purposes:
- Reinforcement: They act as a physical reminder of the product's key features, benefits, and dosage information discussed during the representative's visit.
- Reference: Healthcare professionals can refer to the LBLs later when making prescribing decisions or counseling patients.
- Branding: They reinforce the pharmaceutical company's brand and product recognition.
- Education: LBLs can also contain valuable information about the disease state the product treats.
Key Features of Effective LBLs
A well-designed LBL typically includes:
- Product Name & Brand: Clearly displayed and easily recognizable.
- Key Benefits: Concisely summarized, highlighting the advantages of the product.
- Mechanism of Action: A brief explanation of how the drug works.
- Dosage & Administration: Accurate and easy-to-understand instructions.
- Safety Information: Important warnings, precautions, and potential side effects.
- Contact Information: Details for further inquiries or support.
- Visually Appealing Design: Uses graphics, charts, and a clear layout to engage the reader.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adheres to all applicable regulations regarding pharmaceutical advertising and promotion.
Example of LBL Content
Imagine a new drug for managing Type 2 Diabetes. The LBL might contain:
- A headline highlighting the drug's efficacy in lowering A1c levels.
- A graph showing the results of clinical trials.
- A bulleted list of key benefits, such as once-daily dosing and minimal side effects.
- A warning about potential interactions with other medications.
- Contact information for the company's medical information department.
Importance of Accurate Information
It's critical that all information presented in LBLs is accurate, up-to-date, and supported by scientific evidence. Pharmaceutical companies are subject to strict regulations regarding the promotion of their products. Misleading or unsubstantiated claims can result in significant penalties.
