Healthy Skepticism Library item: 1212
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
Gahart MT, Duhamel LM, Dievler A, Price R.
Examining the FDA's oversight of direct-to-consumer advertising.
Health Aff (Millwood) 2003 Jan-Jun; Suppl:
http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/reprint/hlthaff.w3.120v1
Abstract:
Our analysis examined the effects of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) 1997 draft guidance regarding advertisements for prescription drugs broadcast directly to consumers. We found that although direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising spending by pharmaceutical companies has increased, more than 80 percent of their promotional spending is directed to physicians. DTC advertising appears to increase the use of prescription drugs among consumers. The FDA’s oversight has not prevented companies from making misleading claims in subsequent advertisements, and a recent policy change has lengthened the FDA’s review process, raising the possibility that some misleading campaigns could run their course before review.
Keywords:
Advertising/legislation & jurisprudence
Advertising/standards*
Deception
Drug Approval
Drug Industry/legislation & jurisprudence
Drug Industry/standards*
Drug Utilization
Guidelines
Humans
Patient Participation*
Physician's Practice Patterns
United States
United States Food and Drug Administration*
