Opinion
Direct-to-consumer ads are "a profit wolf dressed in an altruistic sheepskin"
LETTER — Posted July 21, 2008
Regarding "More oversight needed on direct-to-consumer ads" (Column, June 9): In the recent editorial about direct-to-consumer ads, the author quotes some intriguing statistics.
From 1997 until 2005, the amount spent by pharmaceutical companies on direct-to-consumer advertising grew by "nearly 300%" while spending on research and development was up only 103%. With these advertising dollars reaping a fourfold payback, it's not surprising that the manufacturers have increased their spending in this area more than in research.
Direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical ads are a profit wolf dressed in an altruistic sheepskin.
No one can honestly present a prescription medication (even one for hair loss or erectile dysfunction) in a 30-second segment that is as biased as an election-year television spot.
The big loser is the physician-patient interaction, because of the time it takes to have a truthful discussion in response to what the patient saw on TV.
It's time for the American Medical Association to take a hard line against this irresponsible practice that preys on our patients' fears, anxieties and hopes for a better life. Leave the discussion of treatment options where it belongs -- between the patient and their physician.
Robert Lineberger, MD, Chapel Hill, N.C.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/07/21/edlt0721.htm.