Healthy Skepticism Library item: 6766
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
Weinblatt L.
DTC advertisers—you’re wasting your money
Medical Marketing & Media 1997 Nov; 32:(11):47-51
Abstract:
Some two-thirds of DTC ads-both print and television-are ineffective. Some reasons are the advertisers’ own fault, such as cutting physician promotion and letting consumer agencies work on DTC campaigns, but others are inherent in the environment in which campaigns run: lack of real guidelines, frightening warning statements, and commercial glut. The toughest hurdle DTC ads face is competing with OTC promotion that is not subject to the same restraints. DTC advertisers should use basic advertising techniques and pressure the FDA for equal treatment with OTC advertisers.
Keywords:
*analysis/United States/Food and Drug Administration/FDA/print advertisements/direct-to-consumer advertising/DTCA/over-the-counter medications/broadcast advertisements/INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: CONSUMERS AND PATIENTS/PROMOTION IN SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC AREAS: OTC MEDICATIONS/PROMOTIONAL TECHNIQUES: DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER ADVERTISING/REGULATION, CODES, GUIDELINES: DIRECT GOVERNMENT REGULATION