HHS finalizes rule on giving drug prices in TV ads

Companies marketing expensive drugs in the USA will no longer just be able to tell TV viewers just the good news about their products’ therapeutic potential along with a mention of side effects.

They will be forced to reveal the list price of the product, too, in instances where that price is equal to or greater than $35 for a month’s supply or the usual course of therapy. This will apply to prescription pharmaceuticals covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

It is part of a blueprint that was released last year by US President Donald Trump and is aimed at increasing transparency and bringing down overall drug costs both for patients and for the Medicare and Medicaid programs.