Healthy Skepticism Library item: 2764

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

Pillard RC.
Drug advertising and the prescribing physician
New Physician 1971; 20:183-186

Abstract:

Advertisements for psychotropic drugs exaggerate the efficacy of the drug, extend its indications or distort the evidence upon which its use is based. Almost none are properly balanced in the sense that the advantages of the drug are proclaimed while its limitations and side effects are minimized or not mentioned at all except in the package circular information required by law. The author is concerned about the effects of promotion on prescribing habits. A series of recommendations are offered to control promotion.

Keywords:
*analysis/United States/psychotropic drugs/quality of prescribing/journal advertisements/drug samples/doctors/EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: GENERAL QUALITY OF INFORMATION/INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: PRESCRIBING, DRUG USE/PROMOTIONAL TECHNIQUES: JOURNAL ADVERTISEMENTS