There is a rapidly growing practice within the pharmaceutical industry of advertising prescription products directly to the general public through media, such as television, radio, newspapers, and popular magazines. Proponents of direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs have asserted that advertising is a source of useful information for the patient. However, it is the position of the Academy that patient education regarding prescription drugs is best provided by the physician within the context of patient care and not through advertising that is designed primarily to promote the sale and consumption of a specific product.

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