D2C Drug Advertising Criticized

FDA Updates Some Standards

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According to the Wall Street Journal, December 11, 2008, prescription drug makers updated their voluntary standards for direct-to-consumer advertising to make the ads more informative. But, the measures stop short of changes sought by government and industry critics.

The FDA and “Actors”

The companies said they will halt advertising that includes promoting prescription drugs for non Food and Drug Administration [FDA] approved uses; or using actors as physicians. The guidelines say celebrity endorsers shouldn’t say they use a drug – unless they actually use it.

PRMA Industry Trade Group

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America [PRMA], the industry trade group that issued the standards, reported their aim was to address the concerns of doctors, and Congress while continuing to keep patients informed about valuable treatments. Critics said the changes didn’t go as far as advocated by a panel on drug safety from the Institute of Medicine [IOM], including making company’s wait two years before advertising a prescription drug directly to consumers so that effects can be better understood. Critics also said that television ads should include the phone number at the FDA for patients to call to report side-effects.

Assessment

Under the voluntary standards, only print-ads would include the phone number.

Conclusion

And so, your thoughts and comments on this Medical Executive-Post are appreciated. Are these restrictions enough; or too much?

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