Here ’s why direct-to-consumer drug ads need FDA oversight

Many physicians in different fields have voiced criticisms against direct-to-consumer (DTC) prescription drug ads. First, a 2013 survey found that 74 percent of physicians believe DTC drug ads overemphasize the benefits of the drugs and misinform patients. Steven Nissen, a Cleveland Clinic cardiologist, interviewed by Rebecca Ruiz on DTC prescription drug ads states, “It’s almost impossible for the public to actually parse the ads and come to their own independent conclusions.” This implies that DTC prescription drug ads may be worded or presented in such a manner as to convince viewers of the drug’s usefulness and negate personal conclusions about the drug. Second, Harvard Medical School internist, Jerome Avorn, states that drug manufacturers have excessively pushed the envelope with appealing messages and fewer descriptions of the risks. An infamous example is Vioxx, a Merck and Co manufactured and FDA-approved drug that was withdrawn in 2004 for elevating the risk of heart attack and stroke. It was widely accepted by physicians for treating acute or chronic pain and heavily commercialized. In 2008, Merck reached a $58 million settlement with 30 state attorney generals over the ads for Vioxx. And third, physicians at the Interim Meeting of the American Medical Association on November 17, 2015, called for a ban on DTC prescription drugs ads. This ban was motivated by various reasons for which two are aforementioned. Despite this call to a ban two years ago, Kaise...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Meds Medications Public Health & Policy Source Type: blogs