What should a regulatory affairs professional do first if they discover an off-label indication during a review of promotional materials?

When a regulatory affairs professional identifies an off-label indication during a review of promotional materials, the first step they should take is to communicate with the sales department to stop using those materials. This action is crucial because promotional materials that suggest off-label use can lead to regulatory violations, risking the company's compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Stopping the use of misleading promotional materials helps mitigate potential legal repercussions and ensures that the company's messaging aligns with the approved indications for the product. It’s essential for the regulatory affairs professional to act swiftly to prevent further dissemination of inaccurate information, which could mislead healthcare providers and patients.

The role of regulatory affairs is to ensure compliance with guidelines, and addressing the issue at the level of the sales department is an immediate and appropriate response. This also sets the groundwork for further discussions with other departments or necessary corrective actions to align all materials with the approved labeling.