In another sign the mega-drugmakers are feeling the heat from Congress and consumers -- many of whom armed with information provided on my Web site – Pfizer announced an six-month embargo on consumer advertising as new drugs come to market.
Still, that's only half as long as Bristol Myers-Squibb's one-year delay and a pleasantly surprising two-year wait proposed by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), one of the many Congressional beneficiaries of drug company dollars.
On the business side, experts say delays in drug ads could be costly, particularly in market segments catering to those with allergies. And, Pfizer was the leader insofar as drug company ad spending directed to consumers with almost $700 million (the top five companies spent almost $2.6 billion in consumer ads).
However, any ban is only as strong as the ability to enforce it, meaning voluntary cutbacks are only that. And don't rely on the FDA to protect your health or well-being either.
USA Today August 12, 2005