Rules Governing Prescription-Drug Commercials Now Final

FDA Consumer, Nov, 1999

Television and radio ads promoting prescription drugs directly to consumers are not expected to change much under an FDA guidance recently finalized.

As in a 1997 draft version, the final guidance issued in August states that broadcast ads should ordinarily provide a toll-free telephone number and Internet address where consumers can get more information. Ads also should refer consumers to their health-care providers and to product brochures or print advertisements.

The approach aims to give people more information about a drug even if they are sensitive about their privacy.

Consumers can view the guidance document and find responses to frequently asked questions about direct-to-consumer drug advertising by visiting FDA's Website at www.fda.gov/cder/guidance/index.htm and making a selection under "Advertising." To comment on the final guidance, write to FDA's Dockets Management Branch (HFA-305), 5630 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852.