Drug manufacturers spend more than two billion dollars a year on direct-to-consumer (DTC) television ads, which the Food and Drug Administration has permitted since 1997. Surveys show virtually all consumers are familiar with these ads.

DTC advertising is permitted in only two economically advanced nations: the United...

The emerging evidence on DTC advertising is consistent with a larger pattern in which marketing has been found to increase consumer welfare.

Studies show that drug advertising actually saves consumers money by alerting them to the benefits of new medicines that prolong and enhance life and reduce hospital stays.

An examination of Cox-2 class drugs for assessing Merck's decision to withdraw Vioxx.

If West Virginia"s tort system allows absolute liability on pharmaceutical manufacturers, manufacturers may choose not toserve the state's relatively small market.

Direct-to-consumeradvertising appears to make patients more comfortable with the risks and benefits of the medicines they take.

Many of the current restrictions on information provided to consumers by pharmaceutical companies do notserve our public health goals very well.

Little is known about the effects of DTC advertising, especially its impact on consumer behavior (as opposed to attitudes and knowledge) and, ultimately, on consumer health.