Issue Briefs
Date of this Version
4-1-2010
Abstract
In 2007, the pharmaceutical industry spent more than $4.9 billion on direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of prescription drugs in the U.S. Controversy over DTCA has grown since the Food and Drug Administration liberalized its regulations in 1997. Proponents claim that such advertising educates consumers, promotes patient participation in clinical decisions, and improves patient adherence to medication instructions. Opponents argue that such advertising is meant to persuade, not educate, and that it promotes inappropriate use of prescription drugs, or diverts consumers from better alternatives. This Issue Brief summarizes the evidence about the effects of DTCA, and proposes guidelines for improving the utility of prescription drug advertising.
Document Type
Brief
Volume
15
Number
3
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Keywords
medical technology, pharmaceutical
View On LDI Website
http://ldi.upenn.edu/policy/issue-briefs/2010/04/01/untitled-59
Date Posted: 09 December 2016