Consumer Group Says TV Drug Ads

Consumers Union wants drug makers to make it easier for you to let the FDA know if you’ve had problems with a prescription drug. So the advocacy group petitioned the FDA to require that TV drug ads include a toll-free number and Web site address that patients can use to report serious side effects to the agency.

The advocacy group filed the petition with FDA late last year, and has been gathering signatures from consumers in support of the new requirement for TV ads. So far 56,000 have signed on.

A federal law passed last fall expands the FDA’s ability to police drug safety and included a tidbit on this front. It said print drug ads must include “in conspicuous text” the following: “‘You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. It also called for the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a study on whether such a statement would be appropriate in TV ads.

The study has started, the FDA told Bloomberg, adding that the agency is reviewing Consumers Union’s request for the requirement. A spokesman for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America told Bloomberg that the trade group was withholding judgment on the idea of a TV requirement until the study is complete.

Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, released a survey of 1,013 adults that indicated 35% were aware that serious side effects can be reported to the FDA. Take a look at the bottom of this WSJ article for tips for patients who want to keep on top of safety alerts related to drugs they’re taking.