Healthy Skepticism Library item: 17763

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

Frosch DL, Grande D.
Direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs.
LDI Issue Brief 2010 Mar-Apr; 15:(3):1-4
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20469541

Abstract:

In 2007, the pharmaceutical industry spent more than $4.9 billion on direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of prescription drugs in the U.S. Controversy over DTCA has grown since the Food and Drug Administration liberalized its regulations in 1997. Proponents claim that such advertising educates consumers, promotes patient participation in clinical decisions, and improves patient adherence to medication instructions. Opponents argue that such advertising is meant to persuade, not educate, and that it promotes inappropriate use of prescription drugs, or diverts consumers from better alternatives. This Issue Brief summarizes the evidence about the effects of DTCA, and proposes guidelines for improving the utility of prescription drug advertising.

Keywords:
MeSH Terms: Advertising as Topic/legislation & jurisprudence* Advertising as Topic/methods Advertising as Topic/standards Consumer Participation/legislation & jurisprudence* Government Regulation Guidelines as Topic Health Education Humans Legislation, Drug* Prescription Drugs Television United States United States Food and Drug Administration/legislation & jurisprudence Substances: Prescription Drugs