Healthy Skepticism Library item: 2828
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
Barclay WR.
The American Medical Association's policy on drug advertising
Journal of Drug Issues 1974; 4:287-290
Abstract:
Barclay made a statement about the AMA’s attitude and policy on drug advertising. He was then questioned by Dr Watson. Drug advertising is governed by a 1966 code of federal regulations, and is enforced by the FDA. The AMA accepted the FDA’s authority in this. The regulations are extremely specific, limiting claims to material approved by the FDA and requiring fair balance. However, the AMA reserves the right to reject advertising if the advertisement is judged to be in poor taste, if the layout would be confused with editorial comment, if the product is not covered by FDA regulations, and does not meet our standards. Prior to 1955, the AMA had a ‘seal of approval’ policy for advertised products and claims. However, this was problematic and has been discontinued. Today’s Health, a lay public magazine, has well-defined criteria. Ads for alcohol and tobacco are not accepted, nor products such as feminine hygiene sprays, nor products for which claims are not supported by good data, nor products that should be used only on the advice or prescription of a physician.
Keywords:
*analysis/United States/