Time to Ban Direct-to-Consumer Prescription Drug Marketing

Abstract

To read or post commentaries in response to this article, see it online at http://www.annfammed.org/cgi/current/full/5/2/101.

The Effect of Competing Direct-to-Consumer Advertising Campaigns on the Use of Drugs for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Time Series Analysis

“…1 Opponents of DTCA argue that it leads to overdiagnosis, unnecessary and inappropriate prescribing, more adverse drug reactions, and increased healthcare costs. [2][3][4] Proponents, on the other hand, maintain that it raises public awareness of underdiagnosed diseases and leads to appropriate increases in diagnostic testing and treatment. 5 Thus far, the limited evidence-of varying methodological quality-on the effects of DTCA is inconclusive.…”

Dangers and Opportunities of Direct-to-Consumer Advertising

“…1,6 Second, they may avert underuse of effective disease treatments, and potentially increase medication adherence. 1,6,7 Finally, they may strengthen patients' relationships with their physicians.…”

“…1,6 Second, they may avert underuse of effective disease treatments, and potentially increase medication adherence. 1,6,7 Finally, they may strengthen patients' relationships with their physicians. 1,4 Surveys conducted by the FDA in 2004 found that most surveyed physicians felt that DTC advertising made their patients more aware of treatments and feel more engaged in their own health care.…”

“…DTC ads have been shown to misinform patients by over-emphasizing treatment benefits, under-emphasizing treatment risks, and promoting drugs over healthy lifestyle choices. 1,6 DTC advertising may also lead to overutilization and inappropriate prescribing. 6 In a study published in 2005 by Kravitz et al, standardized patients were randomly assigned to make brand name, general, and no drug requests for DTC-advertised antidepressants to 152 physicians.…”

“…1,6 DTC advertising may also lead to overutilization and inappropriate prescribing. 6 In a study published in 2005 by Kravitz et al, standardized patients were randomly assigned to make brand name, general, and no drug requests for DTC-advertised antidepressants to 152 physicians. Patients who requested drugs received them significantly more often than those who did not, suggesting patient requests have a dramatic effect on physician prescribing.…”