Healthy Skepticism Library item: 7611

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

Free rein for drug ads?
Consumer Reports 2003; 68:(2):33-37

Abstract:

This article presents warns consumers about the misleading messages that are being used in drug advertising: from ads that minimize the product’s risk to ads that promote use of a drug still in the experimental stage. Although there is some useful information about health conditions and treatments provided in ads, they are designed largely to promote the sale of a product. One major concern is the possibility that patient pressure might lead to excessive or inappropriate prescribing.