Healthy Skepticism Library item: 3564

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

Masson A, Rubin PH.
Advertising of prescription drugs
New England Journal of Medicine 1988; 319:314

Abstract:

Direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs will not lead to higher prices as Cohen states. There is no need to worry about the communication of safety information since patients still have to have a prescription in order to purchase the drug and the physician can supply the safety information. Making money and providing benefits to consumers are not incompatible.

Keywords:
*letter to the editor/United States/direct-to-consumer advertising/DTCA/consumer drug prices/safety & risk information/value of promotion/ consumer behaviour & knowledge/ competitive consequences of promotion/EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER ADVERTISING/INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: CONSUMER DRUG COSTS/INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: CONSUMERS AND PATIENTS