Healthy Skepticism Library item: 11478

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

Jordens CFC, Kerridge IH, Ankeny RA, MacKenzie FJ, McPhee J.
Reply
Internal Medicine Journal 2007 Sep; 37:(9):666-667
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1445-5994.2007.01448.x

Abstract:

Vitry et al.1 incorrectly attribute two arguments to us.2

First, we are said to argue that the current legislative ban on direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription medicines (DTCA-PM) is not part of an appropriate response to direct-to-consumer advertising. This is incorrect. We argued that ‘the prohibition of advertising is, on its own, an increasingly untenable and ineffective approach to deal with industry influence’ and therefore seek to ‘suggest a range of supplementary strategies’. In our conclusion we state: ‘The fact that DTCA-PM is occurring in Australia in at least three different ways suggests that prohibition is, on its own, an inadequate policy response …

Notes:

Reply to:
Vitry A, Mintzes B, Lexchin J. Direct-to-consumer advertising policy in Australia: realism in whose interests? Intern Med J 2007; 37: 665–6.