Article Figures & Data
Tables
Factor Effect on Ratio of DTC Harm to Benefit Condition severity Serious ↑ potential benefit Mild ↑ risk of harm Prevalence of condition Rare ↑ risk of harm Common ↓ risk of harm Effectiveness of treatment High ↑ potential for benefit Low ↓ potential for benefit Side effects of treatment Severe and/or common ↑ risk of harm Mild and/or rare ↓ risk of harm Rate of treatment Undertreated ↑ potential for benefit Not undertreated ↑ risk of harm - Table 2.
Effects of Direct-to-Consumer Ads in the Most Favorable and Unfavorable Combinations of Drug and Medical Conditions
Condition Drug Type Severe, Prevalent, or Undertreated Condition Mild, Rare, or Overtreated Condition Effective drug with rare or mild side effects Likely beneficial Increased medicalization and cost for a small benefit and rare hazard Low-effectiveness drug with severe or common side effects Beneficial for a small subgroup Hazardous for most viewers Public health hazard
