"The American Medical Association voted this week in favor of a ban on ... direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs and medical devices.... [O]nly the Food and Drug Administration or Congress has the power to ban pharmaceutical advertising.... 'Today's vote in support of an advertising ban reflects concerns among physicians about the negative impact of commercially-driven promotions, and the role that marketing costs play in fueling escalating drug prices,' AMA board chair-elect Patrice A. Harris said ... 'Direct-to-consumer advertising also inflates demand for new and more expensive drugs, even when these drugs may not be appropriate.' "

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