Less Hype, More Data Needed In Drug Advertising

Finally, experts are saying drug companies need to provide less advertising hype and more data about their products. Maybe now we will hear less about how purple a pill is and more about its potential harm.

US experts say patients, doctors need clearer data

When it comes to drug safety, U.S. patients and doctors need less advertising hype and more data to help decide whether to use prescription medicines, health researchers said on Tuesday.

A panel of behavior experts, statisticians and other scientists said the Food and Drug Administration should consider simpler information on risks and benefits, such as a chart listing basic facts and how new drugs compare to older ones.

Drug advertisements in particular should be toned down so patients can make rational choices, several experts said. Often they make broad claims without proper data, they said.