Healthy Skepticism Library item: 2896

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

Griffenhagen G.
Can O-T-C advertising ever be justified?
Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association 1976 Sep; 16:(9):495

Abstract:

OTC drugs are a normal part of society, but we must find solutions for problems caused by their use and misuse. According to Dukes (1963), OTC advertising should be truthful, but this is not easy to achieve. Historically, manufacturers and hawkers of remedies have been innovative advertisers. The expanding competition of patent medicines and the development of American newspapers went hand in hand. In 1852 the newly founded APhA appointed a committee to investigate promotion of nostrums. Later, sensational disclosures about ‘secret formulas’ led to the enactment of the 1906 Federal Food and Drug Act. Then new broadcast media increased OTC promotion. In 1930, 1939, and 1950, APhA expressed concern about misleading advertising. In 1970, it expressed concern about OTC ads stimulating drug abuse. In 1971, APhA’s Committee on Public Affairs noted that it opposed advertising that attempts to create or increase demand, but recognized that factual advertising may have a useful educational function. Therefore it would prefer control, not elimination of advertising. We agree with former FDA Commissioner Edwards that ‘where antacids are offered like martinis, and laxatives are implied as essential to everyday happiness, then the time has come to take another hard look at the entire situation’.

Keywords:
*editorial/United States/