Healthy Skepticism Library item: 1155

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

Waxman HA.
Ensuring that consumers receive appropriate information from drug ads: what is the FDA's role?
Health Aff (Millwood) 2004 Jan-Jun; Supplment Web Exclus:W4-256-8
http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/reprint/hlthaff.w4.256v1

Abstract:

The promise of direct-to-consumer (DTC) prescription drug advertisements lies in their potential to educate consumers about medical conditions and the possibility of treatment. But this promise can only be fulfilled if consumers are given clear and accurate information. The responsibility for ensuring that this occurs falls on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Recent congressional investigations have indicated that the agency is failing at this task, as FDA enforcement actions against false and misleading ads have declined precipitously in recent years. Other FDA efforts, such as its recently released guidelines on prescription drugs, do not appear to be helpful, potentially confusing consumers more than helping them.