Healthy Skepticism Library item: 7657

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

Koch YD, Ernst ME, Kelly MW.
Patient perceptions about drug advertising and prescription-to-nonprescription switches
American Journal of Health System Pharmacy 2002; 59:(16):1568

Abstract:

A survey was conducted to examine the attitudes of 595 patients about direct to consumer drug advertising and the reclassification of drugs from prescription to OTC status. Approximately one-third of the patients said that an advertisement for a prescription drug had prompted them to talk to their physician about a previously undiagnosed condition. Over 70% of the patients were concerned that increased advertising contributed to increased medication costs. Only 17% believed that OTC drugs were safer than prescription medications.