Healthy Skepticism Library item: 4211

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

Moser M, Blaufox MD, Freis E, Gifford RW Jr, Kirkendall W, Langford H, Shapiro A, Sheps S.
Who really determines your patients' prescriptions?
JAMA 1991 Jan 23-30; 265:(4):498-500
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=1985236&query_hl=45

Abstract:

Following the publication of a study describing changes in serum cholesterol levels and glucose metabolism with hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic) compared to an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (captopril) many patients expressed concern about their treatment for hypertension. The results of this study were presented to patients in the form of audio and video spots, followed by a press conference called by a major pharmaceutical company. Some physicians may have been influenced by reports in the media or were not aware that the data were not entirely new or decisive. Numerous symposia have been held throughout the country to reiterate the study’s findings. These meetings are largely promotional.
KIE: The authors deplore a recent incident that highlights the impact of the media and the pharmaceutical industry on the practice of medicine. The publication of a study comparing the changes in cholesterol levels and glucose metabolism of hypertensive patients treated with a diuretic and with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (captopril) was publicized by the pharmaceutical company that manufactures the latter drug. Alarmed by popular media reports that diuretics could raise heart attack risks, thousands of hypertensive patients being treated with diuretics contacted their physicians. A decrease in the number of new prescriptions for oral diuretics occurred in the months after the study’s release. Citing data to show that diuretic therapy is still safe, effective, and relatively inexpensive in the management of hypertension, the authors call for physicians to take a stand against prescribing pressures generated by the media and by pharmaceutical industry promotion campaigns.

Keywords:
*analysis/United States/hypertension/sponsored symposia & conferences/patients/doctors/journalists/press conferences and releases/industry generated publicity/INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: CONSUMERS AND PATIENTS/INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: JOURNALISTS/INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: PRESCRIBING, DRUG USE/PROMOTION DISGUISED: CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS/PROMOTION DISGUISED: PRESS CONFERENCES AND PRESS COVERAGE Diuretics/therapeutic use Drug Industry* Humans Hypertension/drug therapy Information Dissemination* Prescriptions, Drug* Public Opinion Public Relations Risk Assessment Therapeutic Human Experimentation United States