Is the information "fair and balanced" in direct-to-consumer prescription drug websites?

J Health Commun. 2004 Nov-Dec;9(6):529-40. doi: 10.1080/10810730490882667.

Abstract

This study applies the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) "fair-balance disclosure" provision to examine the content of prescription drug websites, specifically focusing on the quantity and quality of risk information. The results show that even though most prescription drug websites provide both risk and benefit information, the two types of information are presented differently. This study suggests directions for regulators to consider in writing a more specific rule to ensure that information on prescription drug websites is balanced.

MeSH terms

  • Advertising / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Advertising / standards*
  • Consumer Behavior*
  • Disclosure
  • Drug Industry / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Drug Industry / standards*
  • Drug Information Services / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Drug Information Services / standards*
  • Drug Prescriptions*
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Risk
  • United States
  • United States Food and Drug Administration