Web Giants Urge FDA to Update Ad Guidelines

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Pharmaceutical drug advertising is the single largest health communication we see and hear. The FDA, Congress and the prescription drug industry need to make sure that the charge of the FDA - to protect public health - is more important than increasing ad revenue for companies. When it comes to drug advertising, we must find ways to minimize risk and maximize the ability of consumers to make better decisions.
As a researcher of direct-to-consumer drug advertising, I have found that whether on television or online, prescription drug ads need to provide much more specific information about a drug’s potential risks and benefits in order to help us make truly informed decisions. My colleagues and I published recommendations about how to improve drug advertising in the American Journal of Public health last week. You can read the recommendations here: http://ajph.aphapublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/AJPH.2008.153767v1
Dominick L. Frosch, PhD
Assistant Professor
UCLA Department of Medicine

Dominick Frosch of CA 7:17PM November 17, 2009

Monsanto trying to pass off GM food as organic!!!
FDA please, show your country you have some common sense and a backbone and don't let these companies try to walk all over you.

Giovanni Castagno of FL 4:13PM November 14, 2009

Allowing advertising of presciption medications makes no sense. Most countrys don't allow it at all. If you NEED a medication your doctor should bring it to your attention not an add meant to brainwash you. How do you people not see how crazy this is?

mike of MA 6:01PM November 13, 2009