Kasia Mulligan, national spokesperson for Patients Come First, has called for stronger federal and state oversight to address deceptive drug advertisements. These ads, she said, mislead patients, exaggerate risks, and erode trust in treatment. Mulligan's statement was published in a RealClearHealth op-ed.
"Misleading advertisements, driven by trial lawyers, are putting lives at risk by encouraging people to abandon essential treatments without medical guidance," said Mulligan. "If protecting patients is truly the goal, the focus should begin where the harm is most evident—deceptive legal advertising. States like Florida, Texas, and Louisiana have taken important steps to combat misleading legal services ads by enacting legislation that prioritizes patient safety. Lawmakers at both the federal and state levels must act to protect Americans who rely on these medications for improved quality of life."
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) emphasizes that health product advertising must be truthful, not misleading, and supported by reliable scientific evidence. Deceptive claims can distort consumer medical choices and increase the risk of harm. The FTC warns that advertisers must present a fair balance of risks and benefits when health is involved.
According to research by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Legal Reform, trial lawyers spend billions annually on advertising, focusing primarily on drug and medical device lawsuits. These advertisements often use alarming imagery and urgent warnings that can frighten patients. The organization cautions that such ads may persuade individuals to abandon necessary treatments.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced a crackdown on deceptive drug advertising after finding that misleading ads distort information about approved medications. FDA officials stressed that false or exaggerated claims jeopardize patient safety. This initiative underscores the need for accurate, evidence-based communication in healthcare.
Mulligan represents Patients Come First, a consumer patient advocacy group advocating for greater transparency, accountability, and patient-focused reforms in healthcare policy. She serves as the group's public voice in statements and written commentary on health system issues.
