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A prominent cardiologist, chairman of cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Dr. Eric J. Topol, urged the government to reassess its policy of allowing prescription drugs to be advertised directly to consumers in yesterday''s Journal of the American Medical Association.
Topol concluded the “unbridled promotion exacerbated the public health problem” in regards to the heart attack risks linked to arthritis painkillers Vioxx, Bextra and Celebrex. While the FDA has not addressed the issue of advertising campaigns and its impact on public health, there has been opposition to it for newly approved drugs.
As shown by the most recent drug recalls, it can take years before drug effects are discovered. Some academic researchers have suggested new drugs be subject to a trial period before drug companies are allowed to launch direct advertisements to patients.
Topol''s remarks were posted online by the medical journal but will be formally published next month. His opinions are especially pertinent in recent months, as a growing number of critics have accused the FDA of being too comfortable with the drug industry despite serious evidence of adverse effects.
The federal industry has been under scrutiny in recent years, but after the recent Vioxx recall, followed by safety concerns with Bextra and Celebrex, debates have intensified. Pfizer Inc. recently agreed to suspend Celebrex advertising while experts determine if the preliminary findings linking the drug to heart risk for patients taking a high dose over many months is supported by more conclusive findings.