FDA Policy/General

Ads Make Patients More ‘Inquisitive’: Doc Survey

A microsurvey of doctors by marketing research firm InCrowd finds that doctors say that direct-to-consumer prescription drug ads are succeeding in delivering more inquisitive patients. Respondents expressed concern, however, about the way in which ads shape patient understanding. InCrowd says that doctors reported three times the number of questions due to DTC ads than they did five years ago — from an average of one question a week to three per week.

Questions are often the result of a lack of understanding of ad content, the survey report says. Some 65% of the doctors surveyed said their patients did not generally understand information provided by drug companies in advertisements.

“It’s important to build patient awareness of new treatments, and our physician response suggests U.S. physicians think the pharma industry is doing well on that aim with DTC ads, and that these doctors are considering how best to integrate them into their practice,” says InCrowd president Diane Hayes. “Yet as Congress targets the need to lower prescription drug prices, the pharma industry needs to listen carefully to physician insights on better structuring their DTC-ad programs for information clarity, and increased benefit to both patient and physician.”

When asked about DTC changes they would like to see, only 35% of the respondents overtly suggested banning ads. The remaining 65% focused on ways to improve ad content and messaging, including:

additional patient education (31%);
· simplifying the message (17%);
more explanation of side effects (7%);
no changes (7%); and
include cost information (3%).

In other findings, 49% said the ads generally impair or confuse their patients’ understanding of their condition, the treatment, and risks that may occur. Some 35% believe that ads have no effect on their patients. And 16% said ads lead to an improved patient understanding of their condition, treatment options, and risks.

Gupta Raises Concerns About Overton’s Independence, Ideology

FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton’s responses on vaccines, contraception and abortion medication during her 9/24 Senate confirmation hearing raise concerns that ideology could influence her decision-making if she takes over the agency, MSNBC senior medical analyst Dr. Vin Gupta said Friday. Gupta was particularly critical of Overton’

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FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton emerged from her Senate confirmation hearing Thursday (see earlier story) without resolving questions about whether she has enough Republican support to advance — and with a rapidly narrowing window for confirmation before the midterm elections. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing provided few

FDA Classifies Boston Scientific Imager II Catheter Recall as Class I

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FDA Approves Gazyva for Childhood-Onset Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome

FDA has approved Roche’s Gazyva (obinutuzumab) for reducing the risk of relapse in adults and children aged 2 and older with frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent, childhood-onset idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who are in remission. The expanded approval covers the use of the CD20-directed antibody beyond its existing

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Gupta Raises Concerns About Overton’s Independence, Ideology

Overton Confirmation Remains Uncertain After Senate Hearing

FDA Classifies Boston Scientific Imager II Catheter Recall as Class I

FDA Approves Gazyva for Childhood-Onset Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome