"Commercial pharmaceutical companies have been much criticised for their activities yet, at the same time, there is relatively little ethical information available to those working in the industry. This book addresses this need and develops pharmaceutical ethics as a field independent to medical ethics in general. The combined experience of authors drawn from around Europe and the United States, currently working within and outside the Pharmaceutical industry, gives this book wide appeal. It should be read by anyone interested in the production and use of pharmaceuticals in contemporary society, be they established pharmaceutical scientists, pharmacy and medical practitioners, students just entering the profession, or interested lay persons. Topics covered include: Ethical theory and the relationship between theory and real life decision-making The concept of informed consent The moral and political problems surrounding the use of pharmaceuticals in wider society The ethical responsibility in the choice of pharmaceutical agents and the cost of medicine related problems Ethical dilemmas of advertising, reimbursement and the affordability of medicines The ethical responsibility to the patient"