Doctor’s Group Urges Waiting Period for Drug Ads

June 2006

Will a mandatory waiting period on ads for prescription drugs and implantable devices give doctors more time to make informed decisions for their patients? According to the American Medical Association (AMA) it will. The nation’s largest doctors group believes a delay of consumer ad campaigns would give doctors the necessary time to study the products.

Last year drug makers agreed to educate doctors about new drugs before launching marketing campaigns. But this decision is strictly voluntary and can not be enforced. Doctors complain that some patients demand products they don’t need because of advertisements.

At their annual meeting, the AMA agreed to a compromise that would allow drug manufacturers and the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to determine a waiting period for individual products. The length of time will vary and applies only to new prescription drugs and medical devices, such as knee implants.

Previously the AMA has demanded a ban on all prescription drug ads, a statement that was criticized by opponents who claim it would violate free speech rights.

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