Facebook last week announced a policy change that is having a significant impact on the ability of pharmaceutical companies to communicate via the social network.

The new policy forbids brands from withholding the 'Comment' function on brand-focused Facebook pages. (Official brand product pages remain the exception.)  The move is designed to encourage dialogue between businesses and consumers.

“[Users] see Facebook without comments as a billboard instead of social media,” said Jack Barrette, CEO of WEGO Health.

Open-forum discussion on Facebook presents risks for ...