Direct‐to‐consumer advertising of prescription drugs: help or hindrance to the public's health?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the issues regarding direct‐to‐consumer advertising that have been identified in the literature from the perspective of consumers, consumer groups, physicians, the medical profession and the pharmaceutical industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature from international sources was reviewed to identify themes relating to direct‐to‐consumer advertising.

Findings

Direct‐to‐consumer advertising is expressly permitted in only two developed countries (USA and New Zealand). All other countries place various limitations on the practice. The debate surrounds whether or not the advertising provides a public health benefit.

Originality/value

The debate over direct‐to‐consumer advertising continues in jurisdictions around the world. This paper identifies and summarizes the issues that are being considered.

Citation

Finlayson, G. and Mullner, R. (2005), "Direct‐to‐consumer advertising of prescription drugs: help or hindrance to the public's health?", Journal of Consumer Marketing, Vol. 22 No. 7, pp. 429-431. https://doi.org/10.1108/07363760510631174