Consumers Union launches “Prescription for Change” drug information Campaign
Mon, 13 Dec 2004
The Alliance for Human Research Protection applauds Consumers Union for joining and amplifying our efforts to promote open access and full disclosure of research information affecting the health and welfare of consumers young and old. Specifically, Consumers Union has launched a campaign–PrescriptionForChange.org – which will provide timely information about prescription drug issues and information about current efforts at the state and federal level, whose purpose is to improve safety, effectiveness, and access to medicines.
Both AHRP and Consumers Union are committed to debunking misleading drug advertisements that are being disseminated by pharmaceutical companies – apparently with FDA’s blessing, or at least without FDA interference. See AHRP letter of complaint to the FDA RE: Pfizer Zoloft ad in the New York Times (10/2004) which failed to disclose the FDA-required warnings issued in March: https://ahrp.org/infomail/04/11/01.php
AHRP and Consumers Union are committed to providing the public with complete information about drug side-effects and nega tive (failed) clinical trials. We urge you to take action on Consumers Union website which provides information about and a way for consumers to contact elected officials about the importance of safe, effective, and affordable drugs. See: https://secure2.convio.net/cu/site/Advocacy?page=ActionAlertTakenPage&id=267
Contact: Vera Hassner Sharav
212-595-8974
About the Prescription for Change campaign
PrescriptionForChange.org is a project of Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports. The campaign’s goal is to give all consumers access to safe, effective, and affordable prescription drugs. Many people have trouble getting the medications they need because they cost too much or their health plan won’t pay for them. Some people have trouble with specific medications because they learn of side effects or they don’t get complete information from an advertisement.
PrescriptionForChange.org provides consumers with timely information about prescription drug issues and information about current efforts at the state and federal level to improve safety, effectiveness, and access to medicines. We also provide information about and a way for consumers to contact elected officials about the importance of safe, effective, and affordable drugs.
Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, is an independent, nonprofit testing and information organization serving only consumers. We are a comprehensive source for unbiased advice about products and services, personal finance, health and nutrition, and other consumer concerns. Since 1936, our mission has been to test products, inform the public, and protect consumers. Our income is derived solely from the sale of Consumer Reports and our other services, and from noncommercial contributions, grants, and fees. Consumers Union is governed by a board of 18 directors, who are elected by CU members and meet three times a year. Consumers Union’s President, Jim Guest, oversees a staff of more than 450.
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