AMA calls for ban on DTC advertising

The American Medical Association adopted a policy on Tuesday to support a ban on direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription drugs and medical devices. AMA cited physicians' concerns about commercial promotions and said marketing costs drive up drug prices. AMA also said DTC advertising "inflates consumer demand for new and more expensive drugs, even when these drugs may not be appropriate."

The organization previously supported DTC advertisements that followed a specific set of guidelines. ...