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Fake Medical News: The Ethics And Dangers Of Health Product Advertising Disguised As Real News, George A. Gellert

Journal of Health Ethics

Leading national newspapers in the US, challenged financially by the transition from paper to electronic media, are allowing drug and medical product advertisers to format their advertisements to appear like actual, authentic news articles. This news mimicry is intended to deceive consumers, and often makes claims of clinical efficacy and safety that are not evidence based and substantiated. An example of such an advertisement is presented and the clinical implications are considered, including recommendations to public health leadership organizations.