Secretary Kennedy denounces pharmaceutical ads but does not advocate for ban.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began the process last week of rescinding a 1997 policy that allowed pharmaceutical companies to air a shortened “major risk statement” in their drug advertisements. The policy rescission will require pharmaceutical companies to list extensive side effects information in their commercials. Health and Human Services Secretary John F. Kennedy, Jr. said this is necessary to address the overprescription of drugs.
“Pharmaceutical ads hooked this country on prescription drugs,” Secretary Kennedy stated. “We will shut down that pipeline of deception and require drug companies to disclose all critical safety facts in their advertising. Only radical transparency will break the cycle of overmedicalisation that drives America’s chronic disease epidemic.”
“For far too long, the FDA has permitted misleading drug advertisements, distorting the doctor-patient relationship and creating increased demand for medications regardless of clinical appropriateness,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. “Drug companies spend up to 25% of their budget on advertising. Those billions of dollars would be better spent on lowering drug prices for everyday Americans.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for Secretary Kennedy and Commissioner Makary as they address the overmedication of Americans.
- For officials in HHS and FDA to work with integrity and efficiency to improve the health information provided by the federal government.
Sources: Pharma Phorum, Department of Health and Human Services
