Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Prescription Medicines in New Zealand: A Discussion Paper

Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Prescription Medicines in New Zealand
A Discussion Paper

Date of publication: November 2000

The United States and New Zealand are the only industrialised countries that allow direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of prescription medicines. Spending on DTCA in the US has grown rapidly, from around $US25 million in 1988 to an estimated $US1.8 billion in 1999. Expenditure in New Zealand on prescription and over-the-counter DTCA is estimated to be $48 million during 2000, up 41.7 percent on 1999. DTCA on prescription drugs was up 23.6 percent in 2000 to around $17.9 million.

This paper reviews the policy debate on DTCA as it relates to New Zealand. The policy debate provided is not exhaustive but brings together the main issues and findings. The paper outlines the current policy for DTCA of prescription medicines and provides a range of options, which form a basis for comment by interested individuals and agencies on the future of DTCA of prescription medicines in New Zealand. Later work may examine the efficacy of DTCA of over-the-counter non-prescription medicines and alternative natural products. This will be decided once the review of prescription drug advertising has been completed.

Please note: submissions on this document closed 14 February 2001

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