Consumer-Directed Advertising of Contraceptive Drugs: The FDA, Depo-Provera, and Product Liability

Pharmaceutical manufacturers have advertised prescription drug products to the public for over a decade. These consumer-directed advertisements often are promoted, like those for other consumer products, with appeals to vanity, insecurity, and pain. Prescription drug advertisements possess certain unique features, most notably a statement that consumers must visit their doctor before purchasing the product. These advertisements also encourage consumers to obtain more detailed information from the manufacturer, often by using 800 numbers to phone in requests for free video tapes, brochures, and information packets. Depo-Provera is one of these prescription drugs