Doesprescription drug advertisinginduce excess or danger inprescribing practices?

The authors examine direct-to-consumer advertising in the United States and New Zealand,the New Zealand self-regulatory model, and consumer survey results from both countries.

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.

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.

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

Many people love to hate direct-to-consumer advertising, but research suggests the ads do more good than harm.

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.