http://seattlest.com/2008/02/08/area_lake_consp.php All comments for Area Lake Conspires with Big Pharma en-us 2009 seattle_katelyn Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:00:00 -0800 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss kbhackett@gmail.com kbhackett@gmail.com 60 http://seattlest.com/2008/02/08/area_lake_consp.php#comment-1306319 http://seattlest.com/2008/02/08/area_lake_consp.php#comment-1306319 Comments Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:04:10 -0800 <p>The US is one of two countries in the world where direct-to-consumer advertising by drug companies is legal…. and we are bombarded by them. The newest drugs are the ones that are the most heavily advertised, and yet the least is known about their safety. If we have to watch an endless stream of half-celebrities telling us to “ask your doctor about…” then the ads should at least give consumers some real information we can use. That’s why Consumers Union is petitioning the FDA to require drug companies to include a 1-800 number and web address in all drug ads on TV so consumers know where to report serious side effects. The easier it is for us to report side effects, the earlier the FDA can detect safety problems with a drug. Add your name to the petition now at www.PrescriptionForChange.org. </p>