The rising costs of health care have forced changes in institutions that provide health care services to patients. Doctors, hospitals, insurance companies, and drug manufacturers have changed business practices to trim costs and maximize profits. One practice exploited by pharmaceutical companies is the freedom to advertise prescription drug products.' Direct-to-consumer advertising can effecti...

background for the purpose of understanding the food and drug administration’s (fda’s) concerns regarding online promotion of prescription drugs advertised directly to consumers, this study examines notices of violations (novs) and warning letters issued by the fda to pharmaceutical manufacturers.   methods the fda’s warning letters and novs, which were issued to pharmaceutical companies over a...

The influence of magazines on consumer behavior, particularly that of women, has been widely recognized. In his study of American magazines, Wood [9] declared that the magazine is one of four major forces affecting and controlling national public opinion. Magazines, together with newspapers, radio and television, provide consumers with information about goods and services. Since consumer educat...

This meeting discussed the regulation, marketing and communication needs of these products from a consumer point of view. It was agreed, that clear and consistent messages are needed from health professionals, public authorities, industry and also the media. There is also a need to better understand the context in which choices of products are made. Research into these topics is reviewed in thi...