Healthy Skepticism Library item: 3539

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

Cohen EP.
Direct-to-the-public advertisement of prescription drugs.
N Engl J Med 1988 Feb 11; 318:(6):373-6

Abstract:

There is an inherent conflict between a promotional advertisement and the provision of adequate and objective drug information. Advertising seeks to increase sales, not knowledge. Direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs would probably lead to an increase in consumer prices for medications and further overmedication of vulnerable groups such as the elderly. Regulators, legislators and drug-industry officials should be informed of the opposition of the medical profession to DTCA.

Keywords:
*analysis/United States/regulation of promotion/Food and Drug Administration/FDA/direct-to-consumer advertising/prescribing costs/consumer drug prices/quality of prescribing/ATTITUDES REGARDING PROMOTION: HEALTH PROFESSIONALS/INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: CONSUMER DRUG COSTS/INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: CONSUMERS AND PATIENTS/INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: PRESCRIBING, DRUG USE/PROMOTIONAL TECHNIQUES: DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER ADVERTISING/REGULATION, CODES, GUIDELINES: DIRECT GOVERNMENT REGULATION Advertising/economics Advertising/legislation & jurisprudence* Cost-Benefit Analysis Economic Competition Health Education Prescriptions, Drug* United States United States Food and Drug Administration