The United States Must Ban Pharmaceutical Advertising On Television.

The United States Must Ban Pharmaceutical Advertising On Television.

Started
December 7, 2020
Signatures: 1,316Next Goal: 1,500
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Why this petition matters

Started by Black Box Warning Initiative

Prescription medications save lives and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans, but because all prescription medications have risks that can be more dangerous than helpful, we can't simply go to a grocery store and buy them. We rely on medical professionals to prescribe the right medications, many of which have boxed warnings of serious side effects. 

There was a time when family television viewing didn't include advertising for prescription medications. But in the late 90s, the FDA quietly pulled back regulations that protected us from all the ways mass-market advertising works on consumers, patients, and doctors.

In 1997, pharmaceutical companies began what is now a multi-billion-dollar-a-year advertising business to do one thing: sell you on their drugs. Since only a doctor can prescribe these medications, drug companies can't directly sell us their products, so we're told to "ask our doctors."

There are only two countries in the world that allow direct-sales advertising for prescription medications. One of these is the United States.  Major U.S. drug companies have spent more on advertising than on research to make medications safer and more effective. However, in Canada, where advertising is regulated, more money is spent on life saving research and development

The American Medical Association already called for a ban on drug advertising in 2015. The FDA has still not responded. The safety of America’s food and drugs is the responsibility of the FDA.  We are calling for the FDA to amend the regulations contained in Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations Section 202.1 to set a ban on public prescription drug advertising. 

Our medical professionals have our health in their hands. The pharmaceutical industry holds the hope for healthier and longer lives in their pocketbooks. As consumers, patients, and medical professionals, we must demand more for our money.  Sign the Petition today for a safer, healthier America.

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Signatures: 1,316Next Goal: 1,500
Support now
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