Healthy Skepticism Library item: 3391

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

Pierpaoli PG.
ASHP's position on direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drug products.
Am J Hosp Pharm 1986 Jul; 43:(7):1763-5

Abstract:

The issues surrounding DTCA were not laid to rest last September when FDA lifted its 2.5 year moratorium. DTCA has been discussed twice in formal sessions of ASPH’s policy bodies or councils in recent years. In 1982, before the moratorium, the Council on Clinical Affairs recorded feeling ‘uneasy’ about DTCA, and voted to continue monitoring developments. In 1984, during the moratorium, the ASPH took more direct action, recommending opposition of DTCA. The ASPH was concerned about the effect of DTCA on pharmacist, physician, and patient relationships. It was argued that physicians and hospital pharmacy and therapeutic committees might feel pressured about prescribing and including drugs in hospital formularies. ASPH was also concerned about the quality and content of advertisements, overdependence on medication, and the potential increase in drug costs. The irony of DTCA is that opponents and advocates often have the same goal to help consumers learn more about health, disease, and rational use of drugs. For ASPH, the means include a broad range of publications, videotapes, and a consumer drug information system available online and on disk. We strongly believe the more patients know about their medications, the better off we will all be. But we want to ensure that the information they receive is fair and balanced. In our society, pharmacists are the drug experts. We believe the provision of drug information should be first and foremost the responsibility of pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.

Keywords:
*policy statement & guideline/United States/ Advertising* Prescriptions, Drug* Societies, Pharmaceutical* United States