Drug makers may be forced to disclose drug prices in TV ads

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Commercials for prescription drugs air often but don’t reveal the price of the medication.

The federal government may require drug companies to tell consumers the price during TV commercials.

The drug makers would have to disclose the price for any drug that costs more than $35 per month and that Medicare or Medicaid covers.

The federal government looked at the top 10 prescription drugs advertised on TV and said they range from $535 to $11,000 per month.

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"When a doctor prescribes something, you go to the drugstore, then you get surprised," consumer Chris Coates said. "It's difficult. So, I think, if the drug companies can disclose when and how much things cost, then they would probably make the consumer a whole lot better."

"I think it's a good idea so that way, people know ahead of time if they want to save money, if they can afford it," consumer Briana Davis said.

The trade group, PhRMA, represents drug makers and has to share the prices on its website. Its 33 member companies plan to do the same.

They're against the proposed rule saying it violates free speech and is misleading because most patients will see the full price when in reality, many don't pay that price because of insurance, discounts and other programs.

"We believe including the list price in direct-to-consumer television advertisements without additional context is misleading and that there is a better way to provide patients with medicine cost information,” a PhRMA spokesperson told Action 9. “That is why PhRMA member companies’ announced yesterday that their DTC television advertisements will soon direct patients to information about medicine costs, including the list price of the medicine, out-of-pocket costs or other context about the potential cost of the medicine and available financial assistance. The biopharmaceutical industry will also launch a new platform that will provide patients, caregivers and providers with cost and financial assistance information for brand-name medicines, as well as other patient support resources."

There are still a lot of details to work out including how to produce radio, print and online ads.

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