If a pharmacist observes a misleading advertisement for a prescription drug, which office should they file a complaint with?

Filing a complaint regarding a misleading advertisement for a prescription drug is best directed to the Office of Prescription Drug Promotion (OPDP). This office, part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), specifically oversees the promotion of prescription medications, ensuring that advertising and promotional materials are truthful and not misleading.

The OPDP is tasked with enforcing regulations related to prescription drug advertising, which includes monitoring compliance and taking action against any promotional practices that violate these standards. Complaints about misleading advertisements fall squarely within the purview of this office, making it the most appropriate choice for pharmacists who wish to report their concerns.

While the FDA oversees broader aspects of drug safety and efficacy, the OPDP specifically focuses on the promotion side, making it directly aligned with the issue of misleading advertisements. Other offices such as the DEA (which manages controlled substances) and ASH (the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health) do not handle advertising concerns in the same context, and would not be the appropriate channels for such complaints.