loophole in prescription drug regulation exposes American consumers to false and misleading claims of drug ads via on-line businesses promoting potent drugs without accurate information about their risks and benefits.
Many countries prohibit direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs. The United States allows it, but only if pharmaceutical companies comply with standards for accuracy and balance established and enforced by the Food and Drug Administration.
Almost everyone who watches television has seen drug ads, but most may not be aware of some of the requirements for them. Pharmaceutical companies can claim only benefits that have been approved by the FDA after an independent evaluation of supporting scientific evidence. Ads must balance accurate claims about benefits with descriptions of common and serious risks.
Some companies that violate these regulations are required to publish corrective advertising or have been ordered to remove false and misleading claims.
It’s a different story on websites and social media platforms, where ads for prescription drugs can target consumers with exaggerated or misleading claims of benefits. They may also omit essential risk information. Some examples:
DHAKA, May 4, 2026 (BSS) - A claim circulated on social media alleging that activists of BNP raped and murdered the daughter of an Awami League (AL) leader in Gazipur has been identified as false ...