Marrch 3 public dialogue with experts: "Risks and benefits of direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs

Three quarters of adults will fill a prescription this year, at a cost of nearly $25 billion. The use and cost of medicines may increase significantly if manufacturers are allowed to advertise prescription drugs directly to consumers as they do in the United States.
       
Canadian laws that prohibit direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) are being challenged on grounds of freedom of expression. Come discuss important questions with leading experts.  What is known about the effects of DTCA: What justifies the ban on advertising? What can we learn from other industries? How would DTCA affect the doctor-patient relationship?

Expert Panel
Dr. Barbara Mintzes - Professor and expert in drug advertising 
Dr. Rick Pollay - Professor and expert in public policy and advertising
Dr. Andrew Wilkinson - Lawyer and expert in charter law
Dr. Alan Katz - physician and expert in health policy

Moderator:
Dr. Colleen M. Flood - Professor and expert in health law

Monday, March 3, 2008
7:15pm to 8:45pm
Junior Ballroom, Sheraton Wall Centre
1088 Burrard St. Vancouver

Arrive early! Discussion starts at 7:15 p.m. sharp.

Admission is free and refreshments will be served, but an RSVP is required to save a space: @email <mailto:@email> or 604-827-4472

Presented by CIHR Café Scientifique and UBC Centre for Health Services and Policy Research