The FDA is seeking public comment on its proposal to collect information regarding prescription drug risk information.
The research, titled "Character-Space-Limited Online Prescription Drug Communications," will investigate whether prescription drug information that is linked in promotional character-space-limited communication on social media (for example, on Twitter) can effectively convey drug risks.
"Regardless of character space constraints that may be present on certain Internet/social media platforms, if a firm chooses to make a product benefit claim, the firm should also incorporate risk information within the same character-space-limited communication," according to a 2014 FDA draft guidance. However, drug companies often present benefit information within the character-space-limited post, without presenting risk information; instead, these companies incorporate an online link within the post that directs the consumer to drug risk information on an external landing page.
Respondents may provide either electronic or written feedback on this proposal until Jan. 6, 2017.