Scientific Evaluations Dispute Advertising Claims

Dr. Wolfe compares recent advertising claims of drug manufacturers with the National Academy of Sciences' drug efficacy studies. He stresses the need for several major revisions of drug advertising techniques and urges the FDA to assume surveillance over the content of material and presentations used by drug detail men. He also advocates that people should be encouraged to ask their doctors why a particular drug is being prescribed.

The Role of the Food and Drug Administration in Regulating Drug Advertising

Dr. Simmons presents some of the problems and reactions within the FDA's Division of Drug Advertising regarding drug promotional activities. These include consumer labelling of over-the-counter and prescription drugs, the issue of monitoring the activities of drug detail men and reviewing advertising claims and campaigns. One of the problems in monitoring drug advertising is due to the division of responsibility between the FDA and FTC. Outlining their distinct functions, it is pointed out that more and more these two agencies are collaborating to bring some measure of unity and decisive action in this area. While drug advertising appears to have a profound effect upon the increased use of drugs, particularly psychotropic agents within our society, research is needed to substantiate this hypothesis.