The public health impact of direct-to-consumer advertising on the United States

Humphrey Taylor and Katherine Binns

While the United States has pioneered the use of direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of prescription drugs, this topic is being discussed and considered by policymakers in Europe and many other countries.

The Public Health Impact Of Direct-To-Customer Advertising In The United States

And the global future of DTCA

Katherine BinnsandHumphrey TaylorHarris Interactive Inc.

TWO SIDES TO THE DEBATE

There are two very different views of the impact of DCTA. Its critics believe that it stimulates demand for, and the use of, prescription drugs for which there is no real need; that it increases the consumption of more expensive drugs than are necessary or appropriate; that it puts a strain on doctor-patient relationships; and that it increases costs unnecessarily.

Supporters of DTCA believe that it increases the number of...

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