Banning prescription drug ads could cost $10B
Patient Safety Monitor Alert
August 3, 2005
A ban on prescription drug ads proposed by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist could cost the industry $10 billion dollars. Industry leaders say the commercials are an effective public service announcement, informing them of how to ease pain and suffering, according to a report on www.cnn.com.The senate leader called for a two-year moratorium on the ads, saying research has shown that the ads have led to the inappropriate prescribing of medicines that aren't needed for patients. Many patients hear about the premium-brand drug and demand it from their physician, even when a cheaper, generic medication is more appropriate.
Proponents of the advertising say the ads raise awareness of medical conditions, and that gets patients to go and visit a physician.
To read the complete report, click here.
