The American Medical Association on Tuesday called for a ban on direct-to-consumer ads for prescription drugs and implantable medical devices, saying they contribute to rising costs and patients’ demands for inappropriate treatment.
Delegates at the influential group’s policy-making meeting in Atlanta voted to adopt that as official policy as part of an AMA effort to make prescription drugs more affordable. It means AMA will lobby for a ban.
“Today’s vote in support of an advertising ban reflects concerns among physicians about the negative impact of commercially driven promotions and the role that marketing costs play in fueling escalating drug prices,” said Dr. Patrice Harris, an AMA board member.
According to data cited in an AMA news release, ad dollars spent by drugmakers have risen to $4.5 billion in the last two years, a 30 percent increase. Other data show prices on prescription drugs have climbed nearly 5 percent this year.
“Patient care can be compromised and delayed when prescription drugs are unaffordable and subject to coverage limitations by the patients’ health plan,” Harris said in the news release.
The AMA will evaluate the new policy in the coming weeks to determine how to proceed with seeking a ban.
The Associated Press contributed to this article
Ads for prescription drugs have probably increased the number of people diagnosing themselves and heading for a doctor to get a prescription for the product they saw on TV. If a person can’t buy something directly they don’t need to see the advertising.
I am totally fed up with all the drug….and attorney commercials. BAN THEM ALL!!!!
Well FINALLY! And I care for other reasons. I am utter horrified and embarrassed when Viagara and Pad/tampon commercials come on when we are watching a SAFE television show. BECAUSE IF A 15 YEAR OLD BOY IN THE ROOM. So it’s about time. What do you think those commercials put into his head and millions of others. No wonder there rapes and a lot more unwanted babies!!! The Viagara makes people horny. What did they expect!!!
Leave it to the doctors, not the government. While you are at it,ban lawyers totatly,they are mostly responsible for the mess we are in!
WHOA, the AMA actually got something right for once! Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.
Then again, I’m sure the AMA will change their tune once Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, etc start making “donations” to them.
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