pro- believes that providing information to consumers about medical conditions and available treatments helps patients make educated choices about their health….Pfizer supports the continued ability of companies to provide information to consumers about pharmaceutical products and medical conditions through ethical and responsible DTC,by being a participant in the management of a health journey, the voice of the consumer will be heard and the physician will help guide… Advertising done responsibly can participate and help provide value and utility without selling.”A strong empirical record demonstrates that DTC communications about prescription medicines serve the public health Increasing the likelihood that patients will receive appropriate care for conditions that are frequently under-diagnosed and under-treated;
con-banning a constitutionally protected right to free speech, even commercial speech, must be reinforced by evidence that indicates the banned speech negatively impacts society. In the case of DCTA, those negative impacts, including intrusion on the patient-prescriber relationship and increased healthcare costs, are evident and overwhelming.DTC advertising has done two pernicious things. It has created a nation of hypochondriacs with depression, bipolar disorder, GERD, Restless Legs, insomnia, seasonal allergies and assorted pain, mood and ‘risk’ conditions and it has reduced doctors to order takers and gate keepers. Thanks to TV drug ads, patients tell doctors what is wrong with them and what pill they need, coupon in hand. Drug company-funded web sites even give patients talking points to use when they see the doctor, lest they don’t ring up a sale. Selling prescription drugs like soap makes a mockery of a medical school education.”