Healthy Skepticism Library item: 4005

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Miller A, Barrett T, Bradburn E.
Pitching to patients
1989 May 8; 40-41

Abstract:

Brand name pharmaceutical companies are facing increasing competition from generic companies and are starting to market directly to consumers. Most companies are producing low-key ads advising people to see their doctors but some are mentioning drugs by name. Critics argue that these ads will mislead people and bring economic considerations into a sphere where they don’t belong, while proponents say that they will spread the word about new drugs and help educate consumers. Broadcast ads are problematic because of the Food and Drug Administration’s requirement to carry a “brief summary” of prescribing information and risks with the ad.

Keywords:
*news story/United States/direct-to-consumer advertising/DTCA/value of promotion/ fair balance(brief summary)/ FDA/ Food and Drug Administration/ broadcast advertisements/EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER ADVERTISING/REGULATION, CODES, GUIDELINES: DIRECT GOVERNMENT REGULATION