AMA backs drug labeling improvement act

The American Medical Association has recently written to Representative Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, Maryland) expressing support for his bill to ensure that all prescription drugs, including generics, have updated warnings and accurate information on their labels.

Doctors without resources to survey the safety of every drug they use rely on manufacturers to provide medicines that are safe and effective, subject to the Food and Drug Administration’s oversight and approval, wrote James Madara, AMA executive vice president and chief executive. Rep Van Hollen is the lead Democrat on the House Budget Committee.

“Unfortunately, the fundamental notion that manufacturers have an ongoing duty to ensure the accuracy of their drug labeling has been undermined by a recent judicial holding that generic manufacturers do not bear this basic responsibility,” Dr Madara wrote.