FTC Asks FDA to Loosen Drug Ad Requirements

WASHINGTON, D.C. The Federal Trade Commission has concluded that consumers don’t read the lengthy lists of side effects now required for prescription drug print ads and recommends that the Food and Drug Administration provide a simpler way to communicate that information to the public.

The FTC suggests that consumers be given information in print and broadcast prescription drug ads that would direct them to more consumer-friendly sources. Under the current FDA print rules for direct-to-consumer drug ads, a list of side effects must be included.