Healthy Skepticism Library item: 2873
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
Hargraves R.
Introduction
Journal of Drug Issues 1976; 6:1-5
Abstract:
Although journal advertising has improved in recent years there are still significant problems. There is an absence of consensus concerning the proper role of drug promotion. Although the American Medical Association staunchly voices complete independence from the pharmaceutical industry recent documents suggest otherwise. In 1974, $9.5 million of the AMA’s $34.7 million budget come from advertising, the major portion being paid for by drug companies. The major form of promotion is detailing-67% of the promotional budget is spent on this activity versus 22% on journal advertising. Detailing remains an almost totally unregulated activity. While the misuse of proprietary medicines presents less serious medical consequences than the misuse of prescription drugs, the advertising of such products is aimed at a larger, less well-informed audience. Although the National Association of Broadcasters now has a set of self-regulatory guidelines for promotion of over-the-counter drugs they do not go far enough.
Keywords:
*analysis/United States/ad revenue/ relationship between medical profession and industry/ American Medical Association/ AMA/ ad revenue/ regulation of promotion/ sales representatives/ journal advertisements/ direct-to-consumer advertising/ guidelines, discussion of/ATTITUDES REGARDING PROMOTION: CONSUMERS/PATIENTS/ETHICAL ISSUES IN PROMOTION: LINKS BETWEEN HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND INDUSTRY/EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER ADVERTISING/INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: PRESCRIBING, DRUG USE/PROMOTION IN SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC AREAS: OTC MEDICATIONS/PROMOTIONAL TECHNIQUES: DETAILING/PROMOTIONAL TECHNIQUES: JOURNAL ADVERTISEMENTS/REGULATION, CODES, GUIDELINES: INDUSTRY SELF-REGULATION/SPONSORSHIP: HEALTH PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
