What does the Prescription Drug Marketing Act of 1987 focus on?

The Prescription Drug Marketing Act of 1987 focuses on preventing the selling of counterfeit drugs, ensuring the integrity and safety of pharmaceuticals within the supply chain. This legislation was established in response to concerns about the distribution of misbranded, adulterated, and counterfeit prescription medications. By increasing control over the distribution processes of prescription drugs, it aims to protect consumers from the dangers posed by these counterfeit products, which can have significant health risks.

The Act established guidelines for the primary distribution of drugs, requiring drug manufacturers to implement stringent measures for the sale and distribution of their products. It also aimed to prevent the diversion of prescription drugs from legitimate channels to the black market, thus enhancing the overall security and reliability of the prescription drug supply. This focus on the authenticity and safety of medications remains a critical element in public health policy.

In contrast, options such as increasing prescription drug affordability, regulating over-the-counter medications, and improving drug advertising practices, while important issues in the healthcare landscape, do not align with the primary objectives of the Prescription Drug Marketing Act. Each of these areas involves different regulatory frameworks and considerations that extend beyond the specific focus of this piece of legislation.