The United States and New Zealand are the only two countries in the world that permit direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising of prescription drugs. DTC spending by pharmaceutical companies jumped to $4.5 billion by 2014, having increased by 30% of the two preceding years. In 2015, the American Medical Association (AMA) called for a ban on DTC advertising. (read their statement here: https://www.ama-assn.org/content/ama-calls-ban-direct-consumer-advertising-prescription-drugs-and-medical-devices)
What are the ethical issues involved in DTC advertising of prescription drugs? Should this type of advertising be restricted? What about freedom of speech? What conflicts of interest might be present of which patients are unaware? Who are the stakeholders of direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising?