Healthy Skepticism Library item: 6753

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

Vecchione A.
Direct concerns: Pharmacists wary of surge in consumer Rx drug ads
Drug Topics 1997 Jul 21; 141:(14):36,37

Abstract:

DTCA is picking up steam again under the wary eye of pharmacy trade organizations and pharmacists. Lilly has launched a massive Prozac campaign, and FDA is considering relaxing regulations regarding Rx drugs on TV. The Lilly campaign is receiving lukewarm reviews from pharmacists. Some RPhs believe DTCA places physicians and pharmacists in an awkward position. For example, pharmacists often have to spend valuable time explaining that advertised drugs are not on their health plan’s formulary and may be more expensive. Meanwhile some industry trade associations and pharmacists are calling for pharmacists to be included on ad taglines as the professionals to be consulted about medications. A recent position statement of the Coalition for Healthcare Communication stated that the currently mandated brief summary or disclosure overloads patients with information. The ASHP house of delegates amended its position by recommending that pharmacists be added to ad taglines along with physicians. FDA confirmed that it is considering amending regulations for TV ads to allow inclusion of both drug names and indications. Time constraints are cited as the main barrier to more comprehensive information. Among ideas being considered are 60-second spots with 20 seconds for providing access to further information, e.g. an 800 number.

Keywords:
*feature story/United States/