Healthy Skepticism Library item: 583

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

Wolfe SM.
Why do American drug companies spend more than $12 billion a year pushing drugs? Is it education or promotion? Characteristics of materials distributed by drug companies: four points of view
J Gen Intern Med. 1996 Oct 01; 11:(10):637-9

Abstract:

American pharmace utical companies spend an estimated $12.3 billion per year on promotion, compared to at the most $1.2 billion per year teaching the fundamentals of pharmacology or the disease-specific principles of rational prescribing. Advertising and promotion succeed inunduly and dangerously influencing doctors’ prescribing habits. Doctors need to be provided with a solid, scientifically-derived base of knowledge for prescribing decisions. Patient package inserts should be mandatory. FDA regulation of promotion needs to be more aggressive.

Keywords:
*editorial United States doctors FDA Food and Drug Administration package inserts quality of information quality of prescribing value of promotion promotion costs and volume EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: GENERAL QUALITY OF INFORMATION INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: PRESCRIBING, DRUG USE VOLUME OF AND EXPENDITURE ON PROMOTION