FDA launches Web site to educate on DTC ads

ATLANTA The Food and Drug Administration has launched a Web site to improve people’s understanding of direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription medications, the non-profit group EthicAid announced Friday.

The FDA launched the site, “Be Smart About Prescription Drug Advertising,” in partnership with EthicAd.

“People are often confused about DTC advertising, which is one of the most controversial areas of pharmaceutical marketing,” EthicAd executive director Michael Shaw said. “The FDA’s new web site helps clarify the issues by outlining the different types of DTC advertising, explaining what information people should expect to see in DTC ads, and what additional information they should seek out about advertised products.”