Rule 3.—Direct Advertising.—No article that is advertised to the public will be accepted or retained; but this rule shall not apply to: (a) disinfectants, germicides and antiseptics, provided the advertising is limited to conservative recommendations for their use as prophylactic applications to superficial cuts and abrasions of the skin and to the mucous surfaces of the mouth, pharynx and nose (but not to those of the eye, and the gastro-intestinal and genito-urinary tracts) and provided they are not advertised as curative agents (see [comments to Rule 3]); and (b) nonmedicinal food preparations, except when advertised in an objectionable manner.
Rule 4.—Indirect Advertising.—No article will be accepted or retained if the label, package or circular accompanying the package contains the names of diseases in the treatment of which the article is said to be indicated. The therapeutic indications and properties may be stated, provided such statements do not suggest self-medication. Dosage may be indicated. (This rule shall not apply to remedies with which self-medication is altogether improbable, to vaccines and antitoxins or to directions for administering or applying remedies when similar immediate, heroic treatment is indicated.)
Rule 5.—False Claims as to Origin.—No article will be accepted or retained concerning which the manufacturer or his agents make false or misleading statements as to source, raw material from which made, or method of collection or preparation.
Rule 6.—Unwarranted Therapeutic Claims.—No article will be accepted or retained concerning which the manufacturer or his agents make unwarranted, exaggerated or misleading statements as to the therapeutic value.
Rule 7.—Poisonous Substances.—The principal label on an article containing “poisonous” or “potent” substances must state plainly the amount of each of such ingredients in a given quantity of the product.
Rule 8.—Objectionable Names.—Proprietary names for medicinal articles will be recognized only when the Council shall deem the use of such exclusive names to be in the interest of public welfare. Names which are misleading or which suggest diseases, pathologic conditions or therapeutic indications will not be recognized (the provision against therapeutically suggestive names does not apply to serums, vaccines and antitoxins, or to foods). In the case of pharmaceutical preparations or mixtures, the name must be so framed as to indicate the most potent ingredients.
Rule 9.—Patented Products and Protected Names.—If the article is patented—either process or product, or both—the number of such patent or patents must be furnished to the Council. Furthermore, if the name of an article is registered, or the label copyrighted, the registration (trademark) number and a copy of the protected label should be furnished the Council. In case of registration in foreign countries, the name under which the article is registered should be supplied.
Rule 10.—Unscientific and Useless Articles.—No article will be accepted or retained which, because of its unscientific composition, is useless or inimical to the best interests of the public or of the medical profession.