Healthy Skepticism Library item: 8573

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

Whitney HA Jr.
Educating the public about drugs.
Drug Intell Clin Pharm 1975 Oct; 9:(10):571

Abstract:

It is stated that it is time for American pharmacy to launch a frontal attack via mass media to give the consumer unbiased, balanced educational messages on drugs. Package inserts for patients are but one way the FDA intends to inform the public about the drugs it uses. According to a recent editorial on this subject, the FDA is responding because patients have a right to know more about medication doctors prescribe . . . consumer groups are writing the FDA for full information about prescription drugs under their right to ““freedom of information.” The public needs to be given accurate drug information in a manner that is useful yet not detrimental to health. The pharmacist in consultation with the physician and on a one-to-one basis with his patient is in the best position to do this. Organized pharmacy must vigorously combat misleading advertisements in the media.

Keywords:
Drug Information Services* Information Services* Patient Education* Pharmacy United States