FDA Requires Drug Companies to Be More Transparent About Side Effects in Ads

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in White Oak, Md., on June 5, 2023. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

In a final ruling published on Tuesday, Nov. 21, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration established five new guidelines regulating how the $1.3 trillion prescription drugs market can advertise its products to consumers on television and radio.

The bottom line is that ads must clearly present side effects and contraindications in plain language so consumers can make informed healthcare decisions.

What Do Drug Companies Have to Do Now?

Advertising from drug manufacturers must now be “clear, conspicuous, and neutral” in lieu of using an emotional appeal that may mislead consumers about the attributes of the product or service, the FDA wrote in the ruling.