American Medical Association calls for ban on direct-to-consumer ads

Dear Viewers,

Am I really old enough to remember the days when prescription drugs weren't allowed to be advertised on television.  That was around the same time that watching TV was free. When cable was introduced -  sure -  we'd have to pay to watch TV but there won't be any commercials. What did we get instead - erectile dysfunction commercials.

Thank you AMA for doing what's best for America's health and her wallets. Looking forward to prescription drug free TV!

Best health always,
Supermom-in-training

Excerpt from SFGate article: 

The American Medical Association on Tuesday called for a ban on direct-to-consumer ads for prescription drugs and implantable medical devices, saying they contribute to rising costs and patients’ demands for inappropriate treatment.

Delegates at the influential group’s policymaking meeting in Atlanta voted to adopt that as official policy as part of an AMA effort to make prescription drugs more affordable. It means AMA will lobby for a ban.

“Today’s vote in support of an advertising ban reflects concerns among physicians about the negative impact of commercially driven promotions and the role that marketing costs play in fueling escalating drug prices,” said Dr. Patrice Harris, an AMA board member.

(Link to complete article:  SFGate)