Frequently asked questions

How many people are employed in the pharmaceutical industry?

The pharmaceutical industry in the UK employs around 67,000 people directly (25,000 of those in research and development).

Where can I find information on over-the-counter medicines?

Contact the Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB) for information about OTC medicines. For more information visit www.pagb.co.uk.

Where can I find information on medical devices/medical equipment/hospital supplies?

Contact The Association of British Healthcare Industries at www.abhi.org.uk

Where can I find information about careers in the pharmaceutical industry?

Our careers section at http://www.abpi.org.uk/careers.

Where can I find a list of pharmaceutical manufacturers?

This information is available from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

Where can I find information about packaging and labelling?

The MHRA have published guidance on Medicines: packaging, labelling and patient information leaflets.

How do I get information about taking part in a clinical trial?

There are numerous clinical trials databases where you can to search for trials.

How can I report a side effect associated with my medication?

You should report a side effect from a medicine to your doctor in the first instance. You can also report a medicine side effect online via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Is it possible for individuals to become members of the ABPI, or is membership only open to companies?

ABPI is governed by a Constitution which currently does not allow individuals to join the ABPI.

How do I get information about the ABPI Exam for medical reps?

Visit the frequently asked questions in the ABPI Exam website https://exams.abpi.org.uk/pages/core/faq.aspx

Can you please send me information on courses/seminars about the latest ABPI Code of Practice?

For further information about the seminars including a list of dates and how to book please visit the Training on the Code page of the PMCPA website at http://www.pmcpa.org.uk/training/Pages/Code-of-Practice-seminars.aspx

My enquiry isn't covered here - what should I do now?

If your question isn't answered on this FAQ page, please send us your query using form on the Contact Us page and we will try to answer it.

The ABPI represents innovative research-based biopharmaceutical companies, large, medium and small, leading an exciting new era of bioscience in the UK. Here are some of the questions we're asked about ourselves and the wider pharmaceutical industry.

How many people are employed in the pharmaceutical industry?

The pharmaceutical industry in the UK employs around 67,000 people directly (25,000 of those in research and development).

Where can I find information on over-the-counter medicines?

Contact the Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB) for information about OTC medicines. For more information visit www.pagb.co.uk.

Where can I find information on medical devices/medical equipment/hospital supplies?

Contact The Association of British Healthcare Industries at www.abhi.org.uk

Where can I find information about careers in the pharmaceutical industry?

Our careers section at http://www.abpi.org.uk/careers.

Where can I find a list of pharmaceutical manufacturers?

This information is available from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

Where can I find information about packaging and labelling?

The MHRA have published guidance on Medicines: packaging, labelling and patient information leaflets.

How do I get information about taking part in a clinical trial?

There are numerous clinical trials databases where you can to search for trials.

How can I report a side effect associated with my medication?

You should report a side effect from a medicine to your doctor in the first instance. You can also report a medicine side effect online via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Is it possible for individuals to become members of the ABPI, or is membership only open to companies?

ABPI is governed by a Constitution which currently does not allow individuals to join the ABPI.

How do I get information about the ABPI Exam for medical reps?

Visit the frequently asked questions in the ABPI Exam website https://exams.abpi.org.uk/pages/core/faq.aspx

Can you please send me information on courses/seminars about the latest ABPI Code of Practice?

For further information about the seminars including a list of dates and how to book please visit the Training on the Code page of the PMCPA website at http://www.pmcpa.org.uk/training/Pages/Code-of-Practice-seminars.aspx

My enquiry isn't covered here - what should I do now?

If your question isn't answered on this FAQ page, please send us your query using form on the Contact Us page and we will try to answer it.

Devolved Nations

Quick Links

Website Info