From: Michelle Smith [michellesmith@mac.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2002 5:08 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: drug advertising

I am a veteran of advertising, having spent over 20 years promoting various
products through various media. I understand the basic rights of freedom of
speech and I believe that right should be protected. But when specific
industries, like the drug companies abuse their rights, the have to be
stopped. Drug companies are SELLING products to the consumer instead of the
doctor now. And manipulating consumers into asking for drugs they may or may
not need. Some are even sending samples of drugs that require prescriptions
through the mail. What if a child picks up the mail and gets one of these
drugs? I've seen television ads directed at women promoting feeling better
and making your family happier if you take this wonderful drug because you
might be depressed. So you have a bad day, you take the drug. Might as well
promote smoking pot!

It's one thing for a company to want to educate consumers about  new
products, but it's an entirely different thing to be promoting the Purple
Pill or whatever. My doctor has always given me samples of drugs that are
new to the market if they are applicable to me (like allergy medication) so
he can monitor my use and determine if it is right for me. But now drug
companies are spending so much on advertising, they can't give the doctors
samples to try on their patients like they should.

The FDA has a responsibility to monitor and protect the consumer. Continuing
to allow uncontrolled advertising by drug companies is a travesty. You might
as well allow tobacco ads back on television.

PLEASE, stop this before it gets worse and consumers are truly harmed. We
are already over medicating our children and over diagnosing ADD thanks to
Ridilin advertising and promotion. Do you want an entire nation of zombies??

Respectfully
Michelle Smith
8800 Parkfield Drive
Austin, TX 78758