Frist to seek limits on DTC prescription drug ads
Last week I noted that the AMA voted NOT to take a stand against direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs. There’s a direct connection between such advertising and the enormous increase in the cost of drugs since 1997, when the FDA eased restrictions on DTC advertising. Sen. Bill Frist has been paying attention, probably not to me, but to someone:
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, aphysician, is calling on the pharmaceutical industry to curtail themultibillion-dollar advertising campaigns used to peddle prescriptiondrugs directly to consumers. His move puts one of the most powerfullobbies in town on notice that the Senate’s top Republican expectscurbs on drug ads in print and television.
In a speech preparedfor delivery today, the Tennessee senator blames drug ads forcontributing to rising health care costs. He’s seeking a two-yearmoratorium on advertising for new drugs and a government audit todetermine how drug ads have affected the way Americans are treated forillness.