Mass-media advertising of prescription drugs appears to lead to a dramatic increase in the number of prescriptions written, according to a major U.S. report. The growth in both advertising and sales has been so dramatic that many critics, including doctors and private health insurers, are pushing for limits on advertising aimed at the public, citing cost and safety concerns. Surveys show that U.S. consumers believe the drug information in ads is approved by the government, which makes them less skeptical than they are of other advertising. Those same 25 drugs enjoyed a one-year 43 per cent growth in sales in 1999, compared to 13.3 per cent for all other drugs. The U.S. and New Zealand are the only countries where it is legal to advertise prescription drugs to consumers, according to the Working Group on Women and Health Protection.
Canadian legislation is under review, however, and drug companies are pushing for changes.
Studies show that doctors strive to please patients, and are open to patients' requests to try treatments. As a result of DTCA, lots of people who aren't suitable for a new drug will get it, and they are the ones who might get adverse reactions. But researcher Barbara Mintzes says it has been approved here for use only when other options have failed. The drug, which has not been approved for use in the U.S., has been associated with liver toxicity, she says. But the inquest coroner criticized GlaxoSmithKline for not providing doctors with enough information, and ordered it to clarify its advice to people using the drug in combination with other drugs.