Direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of prescription drugs has remained controversial since regulations were liberalized by the Food and Drug Administration in 1997. We reviewed empirical evidence addressing the claims made in the policy debate for and against DTCA. This advertising has some benefits, but significant risks are evident as well, magnified by the prominence of DTCA in population-...

We examine the effect of direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of drug treatment on an important health habit, physical exercise. By learning the existence of a new drug treatment via DTCA, rational consumers may become careless about maintaining healthy lifestyles. Using the National Health Insurance Survey (NHIS) and MSA-level DTCA data, we find that the DTCA related to four chronic condition...

the above titled paper examined the food and drug administration’s (fda’s) warning letters and notice of violations (nov) over a 10-year period. findings from this content analysis reinforced what has been the primary issue for prescription direct-to-consumer advertising (dtca) since its beginning, the fair balance of risk and benefit information. as opposed to another analysis in 2026 about th...

There is growing international concern about the risks posed by direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of prescription pharmaceuticals, including via the internet. Recent trade agreements negotiated by the United States, however, incorporate provisions that may constrain national regulation of DTCA. Some provisions explicitly mention DTCA; others enable foreign investors to seek compensation if ...

the adoption and use of digital forms of direct-to-consumer advertising (also known as “edtca”) is on the rise. at the same time, the universe of edtca is expanding, as technology on internet-based platforms continues to evolve, from static websites, to social media, and nearly ubiquitous use of mobile devices. however, little is known about how this unique form of pharmaceutical marketing impa...

Direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of prescription drugs is an increasingly contentious issue in Canada. Under the Food and Drugs Act, the pharmaceutical industry is limited to advertising prescription medications to medical intermediaries such as doctors and pharmacists. Straightforward advertising directly to the public is proscribed, with such advertisements limited to describing either t...

kim’s overview of food and drug administration (fda) regulatory actions from 2005 to 2014 is a comprehensive analysis of the us regulatory experience with online direct-to-consumer advertising (dtca) of prescription medicines. this experience is of relevance internationally as online dtca reaches the english-speaking public globally, despite the illegality of dtca in most countries. the most co...

This paper analyzes advertising incentives and strategies in specialized markets, where consumers’ decisions are dictated by experts. By analyzing the market stealing and market expanding aspects of advertising, this study shows that in a sub-game perfect equilibrium only some (and not all) firms may choose to advertise to consumers. From the welfare perspective, consumer advertising is sociall...

In this paper we use published information to analyze the economic value of Direct to Consumer Advertising (DTCA). The reviewed research finds that DTCA leads to increased demand for the advertised drug and that the effect of the drug tends to be class-wide rather than product specific. There is weak evidence that DTCA may increase compliance and improve clinical outcomes. However, there is lit...

We study effects of direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) in a market with two pharmaceutical firms providing horizontally differentiated (branded) drugs. Patients varying in their susceptability to medication are a priori uninformed of available medication. Physicians making the prescription choice perfectly identify a patient’s most suitable drug. Firms promote drugs to physicians (detailing)...