Sign On to Help Patients Report Drug Safety Issues

For every 100 minutes of drug ads filled with happy and healthy looking people and a glossed-over list of side effects average Americans watch, they spend a minute with their doctor.  

Drug companies often fail to clearly present the benefits and risks of the products they advertise. Too often it isn’t until a drug is on the market and taken by millions of patients that safety problems emerge. The easier it is for patients to report side effects, the earlier the FDA will be able to detect safety hazards with medications and take action. That’s why GAP supports including a 1-800 number and web address in all TV drug ads.

In the coming weeks, the FDA will be deciding if drug ads on TV should include a 1-800 number and website where consumers can report side effects. Help Consumer Union, a friend of GAP, hit their goal of 50,000 signatures so the FDA hears consumer voices over drug industry lobbyists. Add your name to the petition now by going to www.prescriptionforchange.org. 

Thanks for taking 30 seconds to help improve drug safety! 

-- Sheila Fleischhacker