Healthy Skepticism Library item: 4992

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

Lau Y.
Is banning direct to consumer advertising of prescription medicine justified paternalism?
J Bioeth Inq 2005; 2:(2):69-74

Abstract:

New Zealand is one of two OECD countries in the world where direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription medicine (DTCA-PM) is permitted. Increase in such activity in recent years has resulted in a disproportionate increase in dispensary volume of heavily advertised medicines. Concern for the potential harm to healthcare consumers and the public healthcare system has prompted the medical profession to call for a ban on DTCA-PM as the best way of protecting the public interest. Such blanket prohibition however also interferes with the public’s right of access to information. This paper will examine if banning DTCA-PM would constitute a justified form of paternalism in the context of today’s New Zealand.

Keywords:
Access to Information/legislation & jurisprudence Advertising/legislation & jurisprudence* Civil Rights/legislation & jurisprudence Drug Industry/legislation & jurisprudence Government Regulation* Humans Legislation, Drug New Zealand Paternalism* Pharmaceutical Preparations*