Could the FDA shorten medication commercials?

Practically everyone is familiar with the way that pretty much every commercial for a new pill ends: “Ask your doctor today!” This is often followed by a long list of possible side effects and hazards. It’s a trope so familiar that it’s been parodied countless times and has never really left the public consciousness.

Similarly, packaging that uses fold-in medication labels on bottles tends to cram in so much tiny text that it’s all the reader can do to keep from getting lost. If the FDA has anything to say about it, this practice may begin to change, as the New York Daily News reports.

The FDA is considering investigating the regulations surrounding these kinds of ads and their effectiveness. Before it begins a proposed study, the FDA has posted a statement looking to get opinions on whether or not it should dedicate the time to look at so-called “DTC” (direct to consumer) ads. Commenters can respond to this statement over the next few months.

“Our hypothesis is that, relative to inclusion of the full major statement, providing limited risk information along with the disclosure about additional risks will promote improved consumer perception and understanding of serious and actionable drug risks,” the Regulations.gov supplementary information reads.

Being full but concise might seem to be a contradiction, but your company can find ways to meet this need with medication labels that are legible and can withstand the challenges of shipping. If you can’t fit all of the necessary information directly on the package, you might also take a page from the FDA’s proposed plan and instead lead customers to someplace where they might get additional answers.