CONSUMER MEDIA RELEASE: Ban prescription drug advertising
15 March 2007

15 March is World Consumer Rights Day and this year Consumers International and consumer organisations around the world are calling on national governments to end unscrupulous marketing practices by the pharmaceutical industry.

In particular, the Consumers’ Institute is asking the government to end direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of prescription medicines.

“DTCA’s primary objective, no matter what gloss is placed on the information, is to sell more product,” says Consumer research writer Belinda Allan.

“New Zealand and the United States are the only countries that allow advertising of prescription drugs. Industry have been given the opportunity to demonstrate its value but often ads lack balanced and useful information, safety issues are downplayed, and contraindications are hidden in the fine print,” says Ms Allan.

“Last year public consultation on the regulation of DTCA showed the majority of submitters were concerned about or opposed to DTCA. Politicians from all parties should take notice of this consultation and ban DTCA of prescription drugs,” says Ms Allan.

The latest issue of Consumer magazine examines how pharmaceutical companies promote prescription drugs to consumers and health professionals.

A full copy of the article is available from: www.consumer.org.nz

ENDS

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