AMA: Ban Direct-to-Consumer Ads
The American Medical Association (AMA) is calling for a ban on direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising for drugs and medical devices. The recommendation is based on concerns that the billions of dollars spent on drug and device ads is “driving demand for expensive treatments despite the clinical effectiveness of less costly alternatives” and is “fueling escalating drug prices.” The United States and New Zealand are the only two countries in the world that allow DTC advertising for prescription drugs. Manufacturers spend $4.5 billion a year on such ads. The AMA is calling for a physician task force and advocacy campaign to promote prescription drug affordability, which would focus on choice and competition in the pharmaceutical industry and greater transparency in pricing. Drug company consolidation and anticompetitive behavior is also increasing costs, according to the AMA. More information is available at ama-assn.org.
The American Medical Association is concerned the billions of dollars spent on drug and device ads is “driving demand for expensive treatments despite the clinical effectiveness of less costly alternatives” and is “fueling escalating drug prices.”
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