Healthy Skepticism Library item: 8139

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

Consumers want details about prescription drugs; many use alternative medicines
American Journal of Health System Pharmacy 1999 Feb 15; 56:307

Abstract:

Results of the 1998 National Consumers League telephone survey of consumers concerning the effectiveness of direct to consumer advertising for prescription drugs and about their use of alternative medicine are presented. It was shown that only 32% of the respondents said they read almost all of the brief summary on the risks and possible interactions and adverse effects. As to whether consumers receive useful information from drug ads about their prescriptions, the survey response was inconclusive. Responses to statements about herbal supplements showed that substantial percentages of consumers believed these products to be safe and effective.