<P> On 4 March 2016, Senator Al Franken introduced a bill to Congress that would eliminate tax breaks for pharmaceutical companies advertising directly to consumers . In a similar move, representative Rosa DeLauro called for a three - year moratorium on advertising of newly approved prescription drugs . Such bans on advertising have faced substantial criticism by the pharmaceutical industry . Representatives from Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) stated that drug advertising campaigns are aimed at providing consumers with information to become actively involved in their own health care . </P> <P> Supporters of DTCPA argue that advertisements increase competition which leads to lower prescription drug prices and new development, citing, for instance, that between 1997 to 2001, spending on research and development in the US increased 59% while spending on promoting drugs directly to patients increased 145% . However, other experts have asserted that funding for R&D is determined by several other factors . </P> <P> Arguments in favor of DTCPA assert that advertising informs consumers of new treatment options, generating new doctor visits and thereby reducing the rate of undiagnosed illnesses . </P> <P> DTC advertising, among other patient education initiatives, can educate consumers and patients about therapeutic options that may not have been proactively mentioned by their healthcare professional . Proponents of DTCPA claim this provides a vital opportunity for the public to be aware of what is available to them and to engage in an educated discussion with their doctor . According to one study, every additional $28 spent on DTCPA prompts one patient visit within the following 12 months . Another study observes that DTCPA promotes communication between patients and their doctors about medications . Thirty percent of Americans indicate they talk with their doctor about a medicine they saw on TV . </P>

When did it become legal to advertise drugs on tv