Healthy Skepticism Library item: 1697

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: news

Silberner J.
Drug Companies Rethink Ad Strategies
All Things Considered (NPR Radio Program) 2005 Jul 2
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4727781

Abstract: With mounting pressure from advocacy groups and Congress, drug companies are reconsidering their approach to advertisements. One major criticism is that the ads give short-shrift to a drug’s risks and side-effects.

Keywords:
advertising Pfizer DTCA

Notes:

Ralph Faggotter’s Comments: This radio presentation suggests that some drug companies may be rethinking their aggressive Direct to Consumer Advertising (DTCA) which tends to exaggerate benefits and downplay adverse effects of the medications being advertised. Creating false expectations can lead to bitter disappointment and then lawsuits as consumers become aware that they have been mislead. DTCA of ‘prescrition only’ drugs is banned in all advanced countries with the exception of New Zealand and the USA. At Healthy Skepticism,we support a ban in NZ and USA too.