I’ve railed against Pfizer’s advertising before (see Education or Advertising? and Education & Advertising Revisited). The company announced yesterday that it will change the way it promotes drugs to the public. According to the New York Times, Pfizer said that by the end of the year, it will “provide more detail on risks, involve doctors at least six months before marketing begins and suggest alternative treatments in some cases.”
The Boston Globe explains Pfizer’s stated plans and criticisms in Pfizer Calls Halt to New Drug Ads. A two-sided account is available from the Kaiser Network. You can also learn about it through rose-colored glasses by reading Pfizer’s press release, which details the company’s strategy.
Kevin, MD comments, “I’ll believe it when I see it.” I’m still trying to give drug companies the benefit of the doubt. We’ll see.