Most Docs Still Hate DTC Ads. Surprised?

Not at all, right? So we'll get right to the point. Almost two-thirds of US doc favor a moratorium, with half supporting a one-two year wait before manufacturers can begin promoting new drugs in that way, according to a new study by TNS Healthcare.

The poll contacted over 1,000 docs and 251 consumers, and of the consumers, 44 percent agreed with doc about a moratorium, while 47 percent haven't made up their minds. As for the docs themselves, there are differences among specialties as three-quarters of cardiologists support a moratorium, while only 55 percent of neurologists think it's a good idea, PharmaTimes reports.

Of the doc who are in favor a moratorium, 85 percent say it should apply to all new drugs, regardless of therapeutic class. The vast majority see public safety as the top benefit of a moratorium and 89 percent of consumers seem to agree. Almost 60 percent of both docs and the public also agree that such a move would give docs a chance to gain experience with a drug.

Neither docs nor consumers believe the FDA is doing a good enough job policing DTC, the study found. About 60 percent of both groups say current ads are misleading and/or contain exaggerated claims. Almost half of both docs and the public feel that broadcast ads don't contain enough risk and side effect info, while more than 60 percent of docs, but just 43 percent of consumers say current ads are unclear and lead patients to request inappropriate drugs.