[ars]

> It's different in different countries. I'm in Australia and we have laws that limit the influence drug companies have over our doctors here, and we don't have pharma ads on television.

Is there a difference in prescription rates between Australia and countries with less strict rules? i.e. does it actually change anything?

[sjy]

According to this article, the only countries to allow direct marketing to consumers are New Zealand and the United States, and doctors in NZ noticed a dramatic change when direct marketing became prevalent from 2002.

Toop L and Mangin D. The impact of advertising prescription medicines directly to consumers in New Zealand: lessons for Australia (2006) http://www.australianprescriber.com/magazine/29/2/article/78...