This website offers information on symposiums held during 2000 and 2001.  Listed below are overviews of symposium topics.  Speaker information is detailed in the "Symposium 2000" and "Symposium 2001" sections of this website.

     The topic of the symposium held November 14, 2000 is: “Issues in Direct-to-Consumer Pharmaceutical Advertising.”  Please refer to specifics for the 2000 symposium below.

     In the early 1980s, the first direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertisements appeared in an effort to gain public acceptance of less expensive generic drugs. In 1983, the FDA issued a moratorium on direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising. By 1985, the FDA had lifted the ban.

     From 1985 to 1997, direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertisements were required to provide extensive information about the products’ side effects, contraindications and effectiveness. Print ads satisfied the requirement by reprinting the package insert along with the advertisement. However, due to the nature of the media, broadcast media could not adhere to the requirements. Television and radio advertising had to use advertisements to either inform consumers of the existence of a drug without specifying its purpose or educate consumers about an illness without mentioning a drug.

     In 1997, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration relaxed the guidelines for direct-to-consumer (DTC) pharmaceutical advertising. The advertisements, which can appear in television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and the Internet, no longer have to display 
prescription information. Instead, pharmaceutical companies must disclose “all major risks associated with the drug.”

     In addition to the major risk-disclosing statement, the advertisement must contain the following provisions:
 

• A toll-free number for labeling to be provided by mail, facsimile, or read over the phone
• Reference to advertisements in consumer magazines with a brief summary and brochures easily available in pharmacies and doctors’ offices
• A statement in the advertisement that directs consumers to seek additional information from pharmacists
• An Internet Web page address for access to package labeling

     Proponents of DTC pharmaceutical advertising believe that the advertisements empower consumers to take control of their own health. They feel that the advertisements promote awareness of diseases and disease prevention. Critics of DTC pharmaceutical advertising argue that information can be misleading and may not properly warn consumers of side effects. In addition, the emergence of the Internet further complicates the issue because of lack of regulation.

     The 2001 symposium concerns issues related to pharmaceutical advertising.