Drug Websites Research Articles

The use of tracker technologies on branded prescription drug websites: privacy, data acquisition and programmatic advertising

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine consumer data acquired by branded prescription drug websites and the ethics of privacy related to the interconnected web of personal information accessed, packaged and resold by tracker technologies.Design/methodology/approachThe research used the DMI Tracker Tool to collect data on the top 17 branded prescription drug websites, with a specific interest in the tracker technologies embedded in those websites. That data was analyzed using Gephi, an open-source data visualization tool, to map the network of trackers embedded in those branded prescription drug websites.FindingsFindings visualize the interconnections between tracker technologies and prescription drug websites that undergird a system of personal data acquisition and programmatic advertising vehicles that serve the interests of prescription drug marketers and Big Tech. Based on the theory of platform ethics, the study demonstrated the presence of a technostructural ecosystem dominated by Big Tech, a system that goes unseen by consumers and serves the interests of advertisers and resellers of consumer data.Research limitations/implicationsThe 17 websites used in this study were limited to the top-selling prescription drugs or those with the highest ad expenditures. As such this study is not based on a random sampling of branded prescription drug websites. The popularity of these prescription drugs or the expanse of advertising associated with the drugs makes them appropriate to study the presence of tracking devices that collect data from consumers and serve advertising to them. It is also noted that websites are dynamic spaces, and some trackers within their infrastructures are apt to change over time.Practical implicationsBranded prescription drug information has over the past three decades become part of consumers’ routine search for information regarding what ails them. As drug promotion moved from print to TV and the Web, searching for drug information has become a part of everyday life. The implications of embedded trackers on branded prescription drug websites are the subject of this research.Social implicationsThis study has significant social implications as consumers who are searching for information regarding prescription medications may not want drug companies tracking them in a way that many perceive to be an invasion of privacy. Yet, as the Web is dominated by Big Tech, web developers have little choice but to remain a part of this technostructural ecosystem.Originality/valueThis study sheds light on branded prescription drug websites, exploring the imbalance between the websites under study, Big Tech and consumers who lack awareness of the system that operates backstage.

Virtual Mapping of Secondary Metabolite Activities Containing in Caesalpinia sappan L. Heartwood through In Silico Study

Caesalpinia sappan L heartwood is a leguminoceae plant that grow in Indonesia landscape, uses as traditional herbal medicine and natural textile dye. Caesalpinia sappan heartwood also contains homoisoflavonoids as natural pigment and bioactive compound, promotes several human health benefits. This study provide biological function prediction and mapping through in silico approach. The compounds from Caesalpinia sappan were listed and downloaded from Knapsack webserver. PubChem NCBI was used to retrieve the canonical smiles of Caesalpinia sappan compounds. Biological activity of Caesalpinia were predicted by Online PASS Two Way drug website and performed in heatmap. Structure activity relationship (SAR) of quercetin-3,7-Di-O-Methyl Ether 3'-O-Methylbrazilin, 2'-Methoxyisoliquiritigenin, Isoliquiritigenin 2'-Methy Ether and Quercetin-3′,4′-Di-O-Methyl Ether revealed antioxidant, nitric oxide scavenger, antimycobacterial, antibacterial, antiinflammation, and act as lipoxygenase inhibitor agent. Furthermore, Quercetin-3′,4′-Di-O-Methyl Ether (17) proved higher antivirus activity than other compounds. 2'-Methoxyisoliquiritigenin (20) and Isoliquiritigenin 2'-Methy Ether (27) performed higher neuroprotective effect than others. Molecular docking and dynamis are required for further investigation.

The Alzheimer\u2019s disease drug development landscape

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease leading to dementia. The field has made significant progress over the last 15 years. AD diagnosis has shifted from syndromal, based on signs and symptoms, to a biomarker construct based on the pathological hallmarks of the disease: amyloid β deposition, pathologic tau, and neurodegeneration. Numerous genetic risk factors for sporadic AD have been identified, providing further insight into the molecular underpinnings of the disease. For the last two decades, however, drug development for AD has been proven to be particularly challenging. Here, we provide a unique overview of the drug development landscape for AD. By comparing preclinical and clinical drug development pipelines, we aim to describe trends and differences regarding target classes and therapeutic modalities in preclinical and clinical development.MethodsWe analyzed proprietary and public databases and company websites for drugs in preclinical development for AD by the pharmaceutical industry and major clinical trial registries for drugs in clinical development for AD. Drugs were categorized by target class and treatment modality.ResultsWe found a higher proportion of preclinical interventions targeting molecular pathways associated with sporadic AD genetic risk variants, compared to clinical stage interventions. These include apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and lipids, lysosomal/endosomal targets, and proteostasis. Further, we observed a trend suggesting that more traditional therapeutic modalities are developed for these novel targets, while more novel treatment modalities such as gene therapies and enzyme treatments are in development for more traditional targets such as amyloid β and tau. Interestingly, the percentage of amyloid β targeting therapies in preclinical development (19.2%) is even higher than the percentage in clinical development (10.7%), indicating that diversification away from interventions targeting amyloid-beta has not materialized. Inflammation is the second most popular target class in both preclinical and clinical development.ConclusionsOur observations show that the AD drug development pipeline is diversifying in terms of targets and treatment modalities, while amyloid-targeting therapies remain a prominent avenue of development as well. To further advance AD drug development, novel companion diagnostics are needed that are directed at disease mechanisms related to genetic risk factors of AD, both for patient stratification and assessment of therapeutic efficacy in clinical trials.

Dental Drug Information Websites Resources: New Initiative Project in Saudi Arabia

PTB Reports,2021,7,2,53-60.DOI:10.5530/PTB.2021.7.10Published:September 2021Type:Review ArticleAuthors:Yousef Ahmed Alomi, Hanin Sumaydan Saleam Aljohani, and Arub Abdullah Batil Albatil Author(s) affiliations:Yousef Ahmed Alomi* BSc. Pharm, MSc. Clin Pharm, BCPS, BCNSP, DiBA, CDE Critical Care Clinical Pharmacists TPN Clinical Pharmacist, Freelancer Business Planner, Content Editor, and Data Analyst, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Hanin Sumaydan Saleam Aljohani Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Arub Abdullah Batil Albatil Majmaah University, College of Dentistry Faculty of Dentistry at Al Zulfi Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Abstract:Objectives: All healthcare professionals necessity to improve and update their medical and pharmaceutical knowledge, including dentists. There are numerous types of dental medications, including drug information website resources. The current review is to reconnoiter references websites of medications in the dental care. Methods: It is a literature review of a drug information website for dentists. Probing was done in PubMed and Medline about this field. The search encompassed all study designs but was not limited to the observation study, clinical trial, meta-analysis and systemic, and review articles. The current topic debated the market assessment demand, team and cost management of the project, quality and risk management of the project. It was rationalized on selected dental drug websites designed with medications coverage, frequency updated, and responsible publisher. Results: More than 13 drug information websites for dental practice had been intended. The websites consisted of free governmental or healthcare organizations websites highlighting international medications regulation or local drug regulatory affairs with mobile applications format. Free non-governmental drug information website entailed of drug therapy as part of disease management and other medication patient education websites. All websites of dental drug information resources should be measured undergraduate and postgraduate dental practitioners. Conclusion: Dental drug information resources website is real-world and more accessible than other resources. Therefore, implementation of the current project is highly recommended for dental colleges and healthcare organizations. Keywords:Dental, Drug, Information, Resources, Saudi Arabia, WebsitesView:PDF (208.56 KB) PDF PDF Images Dental Drug Information Websites Resources: New Initiative Project in Saudi Arabia

Addressing the Opioid Epidemic with a K-12 Drug Prevention Curriculum, Website and Toolkit

Opioid overdose has become a large public health crisis with devastating consequences, particularly for young people. Programs have started to address the impact of prevention and education in approaching the issue, but many lack focus on helping students prevent drug misuse by practicing the skills students need to avoid or reduce risky health behaviors. The purpose of this manuscript is to introduce readers to the process of developing skills-based K - 12 Opioid/Rx Use educational lessons. Procedures: The educational lessons were developed using data-driven practice for the following age level clusters; K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. All lessons contain active learning strategies and include a resource bank such that any teacher, administrator, or school personnel can select and deliver a lesson using the online interface.

Design and Implementation of Distributed Web Crawler for Drug Website Search using Hefty based Enhanced Bandwidth Algorithms

The development of an expert system based search tool needs a superficial structure to satisfy the requirements of current web scale. Search engines and the internet crawler are used to mine the required information from the web and surf the internet in an efficient fashion. Distributed crawler is one of the types of a web crawler, which is a dispersed computation method. In this paper, we design and implement the concept of Efficient Distributed Web Crawler using enhanced bandwidth and hefty algorithms. Mostly Web Crawler doesn’t have any distributed cluster performance system and any implemented algorithm. In this paper, a novel Hefty Algorithm and enhanced bandwidth algorithm are combined for a better-distributed crawling system. The hefty algorithm is implemented to provide strong and efficient surfing results while applying on the drug web search. We also concentrate on the efficiency of the proposed distributed web crawler by implementing Enhanced Bandwidth algorithm.

IJMLNCE Editorial Note Volume No 04, Issue No 01

IJMLNCE Editorial Note Volume No 04, Issue No 01

Experimental evidence of consumer and physician detection and rejection of misleading prescription drug website content.

Consumers and primary care physicians (PCPs) sometimes encounter deceptive promotional claims about prescription drugs. Whether consumers and PCPs can detect deceptive claims or whether those claims negatively affect medical decision making, however, remain important, unanswered research questions. This article explores (1) the ability of consumers and PCPs to identify deceptive prescription drug promotion at various levels of deception, (2) the influence of such tactics on obstructing risk recognition, and (3) whether perceived deception mediates relationships between exposure to deceptive tactics and various outcomes (including false-claim acceptance, attitudes, information-seeking intentions, and interest toward the promoted drug). Two experiments-1 with consumers (N=366) and 1 with PCPs (N=378)-were conducted to determine whether participant exposure to deceptive prescription drug website content corresponds to detection and acceptance (or rejection) of claims and tactics. In each experiment, the number of deceptive claims and tactics on a consumer- or PCP-targeted website for a fictitious chronic pain medication were varied, in a 1×3 (none, fewer, more) between-subjects design. Among consumers, exposure to more deceptive claims or tactics did not increase suspicion about the veracity of the website (relative to fewer claims and tactics) and actually had a limited positive direct effect on false-claim acceptance and attitudes toward the drug. Among PCPs, a mediation effect existed such that exposure to more deceptive claims and tactics resulted in higher perceived website deceptiveness relative to those in the fewer deceptive claims condition, which, in turn, resulted in lower acceptance of deceptive claims and tactics, lower perceived drug effectiveness, more negative attitudes toward the drug, and lower interest and intentions. These experiments demonstrate potential differences between consumers and PCPs as well as implications for consumer and PCP vulnerability to website deception.

Disclosing accelerated approval on direct-to-consumer prescription drug websites.

We examined direct-to-consumer (DTC) websites for brand-name accelerated approval prescription drugs to determine whether and how accelerated approval is communicated to consumers. From the 34 brand-name prescription drugs under the Food and Drug Administration's accelerated approval pathway presubmission requirement for promotional materials in December 2016, we identified a sample of 26 that had active DTC websites. Two raters independently coded the websites for the presence, placement, content, and readability of an accelerated approval disclosure. Most (73%) of the websites contained an accelerated approval disclosure. Most of the disclosures (84%) included the basis for accelerated approval, whereas 68% stated that the clinical benefit of the product was unknown and 47% conveyed the need for additional research to confirm study findings. On average, the disclosures required at least a high school reading level, and most conveyed the information in medical terms. Direct-to-consumer websites for brand-name accelerated approval prescription drugs do not consistently communicate the accelerated approval information for the product to consumers in a prominent, comprehensive, or readable manner.

Testimonials and Informational Videos on Branded Prescription Drug Websites: Experimental Study to Assess Influence on Consumer Knowledge and Perceptions.

BackgroundDirect-to-consumer (DTC) promotion of prescription drugs can affect consumer behaviors and health outcomes, and Internet drug promotion is growing rapidly. Branded drug websites often capitalize on the multimedia capabilities of the Internet by using videos to emphasize drug benefits and characteristics. However, it is unknown how such videos affect consumer processing of drug information.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine how videos on prescription drug websites, and the inclusion of risk information in those videos, influence consumer knowledge and perceptions.MethodsWe conducted an experimental study in which online panel participants with acid reflux (n=1070) or high blood pressure (n=1055) were randomly assigned to view 1 of the 10 fictitious prescription drug websites and complete a short questionnaire. On each website, we manipulated the type of video (patient testimonial, mechanism of action animation, or none) and whether the video mentioned drug risks.ResultsParticipants who viewed any video were less likely to recognize drug risks presented only in the website text (P≤.01). Including risk information in videos increased participants’ recognition of the risks presented in the videos (P≤.01). However, in some cases, including risk information in videos decreased participants’ recognition of the risks not presented in the videos (ie, risks presented in text only; P≤.04). Participants who viewed a video without drug risk information thought that the website placed more emphasis on benefits, compared with participants who viewed the video with drug risk information (P≤.01). Compared with participants who viewed a video without drug risk information, participants who viewed a video with drug risk information thought that the drug was less effective in the high blood pressure sample (P=.03) and thought that risks were more serious in the acid reflux sample (P=.01). There were no significant differences between risk and nonrisk video conditions on other perception measures (P>.05). In addition, we noted a few differences among the types of videos.ConclusionsIncluding risks in branded drug website videos may increase in-video risk retention at the expense of text-only risk retention.

Flibanserin: A controversial drug for female hypoactive sexual desire disorder

Sexual functioning is an integral part of human life. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) adversely affects quality of life and general well-being. The Food and Drug Administration recently approved flibanserin, for treatment of female hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), regarded as the most common FSD, amid great controversy. A novel multifunctional serotonin agonist and antagonist, flibanserin, has been shown to be efficacious in treating HSDD but with a rather tenacious side effect profile. We review this interesting drug in its entirety. Data for the article were collected by reviewing articles on PubMed, the drug (Addyi) website, and related websites on the internet.

Home Manufacture of Drugs: An Online Investigation and a Toxicological Reality Check of Online Discussions on Drug Chemistry

ABSTRACTEmerging trends in market dynamics and the use of new psychoactive substances are both a public health concern and a complex regulatory issue. One novel area of investigation is the availability of homemade opioids, amphetamines and dissociatives, and the potential fueling of interest in clandestine home manufacture of drugs via the Internet. We illustrate here how online communal folk pharmacology of homemade drugs on drug website forums may actually inform home manufacture practices or contribute to the reduction of harms associated with this practice. Discrepancies between online information around purification and making homemade drugs safer, and the synthesis of the same substances in a proper laboratory environment, exist. Moderation and shutdown of synthesis queries and discussions online are grounded in drug websites adhering to harm-reduction principles by facilitating discussions around purification of homemade drugs only. Drug discussion forums should consider reevaluating their policies on chemistry discussions in aiming to reach people who cannot or will not refrain from cooking their own drugs with credible information that may contribute to reductions in the harms associated with this practice.

Codeine use, dependence and help-seeking behaviour in the UK and Ireland: an online cross-sectional survey.

Codeine misuse and dependence poses a clinical and public health challenge. However, little is known about dependence and treatment needs in the UK and Ireland. To characterize codeine use, dependence and help-seeking behaviour. An online cross-sectional survey advertised on Facebook, Twitter, health and drug websites and e-mail circulars. The survey collected data on demographics and codeine use amongst adults from the UK and Ireland. The Severity of Dependence Scale measured the level of codeine dependence. The sample of 316 respondents had a mean age of 35.3 years (SD = 12.3) and 67% were women. Of the 316 respondents, 54 scored ≥5 on the Severity of Dependence Scale indicating codeine dependence (17.1%). Our study found that codeine dependence is a problem with both prescribed and 'over-the-counter' codeine. Codeine dependence was associated with daily use of codeine, faking or exaggerating symptoms to get a prescription for codeine and 'pharmacy shopping' ( P < 0.01). A higher number of respondents had sought advice on the Internet (12%) rather than from their general medical practitioner (GP) (5.4%). Less than 1% of respondents had sought advice from a pharmacist. Codeine dependent users were more likely to seek help on the Internet to control their use of codeine than from a GP, which may indicate a potential for greater specialized addiction treatment demand through increased identification and referrals in primary care.

Placement and Format of Risk Information on Direct-to-Consumer Prescription Drug Websites

We investigated whether the location and format of risk information on branded prescription drug websites influence consumers’ knowledge and perceptions of the drug’s risks. Participants (Internet panelists with high cholesterol [n = 2,609] or seasonal allergies [n = 2,637]) were randomly assigned to view a website promoting a fictitious prescription drug for their condition. The website presented risk information at the bottom of the homepage, or at the bottom of the homepage with a signal above indicating that the risk information was located below, or on a linked secondary page. We also varied the format of risk information (paragraph, checklist, bulleted list, highlighted box). Participants then answered questions on risk recall and perceptions. Participants recalled fewer drug risks when the risks were placed on a secondary page. The signal had little effect, and risk information format did not affect outcomes. The location of risk information on prescription drug websites can affect consumer knowledge of drug risks; however, signals and special formatting may not be necessary for websites to adequately inform consumers about drug risks. We recommend that prescription drug websites maintain risk information on their homepages to achieve “fair balance” as required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Consumer confusion between prescription drug precautions and side effects

ObjectiveMultiple studies have identified consumers’ difficulty correctly interpreting risk information provided about prescription drugs, whether in printed format or online. This study’s purpose was to explore whether consumers can distinguish between prescription drug precautions and side effects presented on brand-name drug websites. MethodsParticipants (n=873) viewed fictitious drug websites that presented both precautions and side effects for one of four drugs, and they completed a survey assessing recall and comprehension. We coded open-ended recall data to identify whether drug precautions were mentioned and, if so, how they were interpreted. ResultsApproximately 15% of participants mentioned at least one drug precaution. The majority (59.7%) misinterpreted precautions as potential side effects. Participants who misinterpreted precautions rated the drugs as significantly more likely to cause side effects than participants who accurately interpreted the precautions. Age, education, literacy, and other factors did not appear to predict precaution interpretation. ConclusionAt least some consumers are likely to interpret precautions on drug websites as potential side effects, which might affect consumer preferences, treatment decisions, and medication safety. Practice implicationsHealthcare providers should be aware of this potential confusion, assess patients’ understanding of precautions and potential side effects, and address any misunderstandings.

Are Disease Awareness Links on Prescription Drug Websites Misleading? A Randomized Study

We sought to determine whether links from branded prescription drug websites to websites containing disease information mislead participants about drug benefits and whether nonsponsorship disclosures diminish this potential effect. We randomly assigned online panelists with depression (N = 1,071) to view a fictitious prescription drug website that had (a) no link to a disease information website (control), (b) a link with no disclosure, (c) a link with a simple nonsponsorship disclosure, or (d) a link with a detailed nonsponsorship disclosure. If participants in the link conditions did not click the link, they were returned to the drug website and encouraged to click it. All participants then completed an online questionnaire assessing recall, perceptions, and intentions. Few participants (12%) clicked the link without prompting; 67% did so when prompted. Compared with control participants, participants in link conditions were more likely to confuse disease information with drug benefits and to recall fewer true drug benefits. Disclosures did not diminish these effects, and exposure to disease information did not affect other perceptions or intentions. Consumers seem to confuse information on disease websites with information on branded prescription drug websites. Disclosures may not adequately help consumers to distinguish between the 2 types of information.

Quantitative Information on Oncology Prescription Drug Websites.

Our objective was to determine whether and how quantitative information about drug benefits and risks is presented to consumers and healthcare professionals on cancer-related prescription drug websites. We analyzed the content of 65 active cancer-related prescription drug websites. We assessed the inclusion and presentation of quantitative information for two audiences (consumers and healthcare professionals) and two types of information (drug benefits and risks). Websites were equally likely to present quantitative information for benefits (96.9%) and risks (95.4%). However, the amount of the information differed significantly: Both consumer-directed and healthcare-professional-directed webpages were more likely to have quantitative information for every benefit (consumer 38.5%; healthcare professional 86.1%) compared with every risk (consumer 3.1%; healthcare professional 6.2%). The numeric and graphic presentations also differed by audience and information type. Consumers have access to quantitative information about oncology drugs and, in particular, about the benefits of these drugs. Research has shown that using quantitative information to communicate treatment benefits and risks can increase patients' and physicians' understanding and can aid in treatment decision-making, although some numeric and graphic formats are more useful than others.

A mixed-methods approach to assessing actual risk readership on branded drug websites

Despite FDA requirements that drug benefits and risks be presented in a ‘fair balance’ manner, little is known about the extent to which individuals actually seek and process risk information. Self-report measures of drug risk reading show mixed results. This exploratory study investigates this topic within the context of a branded prescription drug website for a fictional seasonal allergy drug. We use a mixed-methods approach involving eye-tracking, survey and qualitative data. While approximately 80% of participants (N = 29) claimed to have read half or more of the risk information, eye-tracking measures revealed limited to no risk reading when given the opportunity to freely view the site without explicit directions to read risk information. Survey results showed minimal unaided recall and modest aided recall of risks. To gain insight into why participants failed to seek drug risk information, we analyzed retro-active think aloud post-task interviews for potential explanations and looked for expressions of social desirability, information avoidance, optimism bias and familiarity. Perceived familiarity with the health condition, its risks and companion drug options surfaced as the primary explanation for failure to seek, and subsequently process, the risk information. This perceived familiarity prompted participants to ignore the risk information and discount the commercial information source. We offer practical recommendations to encourage risk reading in light of our findings.

Future Challenges and Opportunities in Online Prescription Drug Promotion Research Comment on "Trouble Spots in Online Direct-to-Consumer Prescription Drug Promotion: A Content Analysis of FDA Warning Letters".

Despite increased availability of online promotional tools for prescription drug marketers, evidence on online prescription drug promotion is far from settled or conclusive. We highlight ways in which online prescription drug promotion is similar to conventional broadcast and print advertising and ways in which it differs. We also highlight five key areas for future research: branded drug website influence on consumer knowledge and behavior, interactive features on branded drug websites, mobile viewing of branded websites and mobile advertisements, online promotion and non-US audiences, and social media and medication decisions.

Trouble Spots in Online Direct-to-Consumer Prescription Drug Promotion: A Content Analysis of FDA Warning Letters.

For the purpose of understanding the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) concerns regarding online promotion of prescription drugs advertised directly to consumers, this study examines notices of violations (NOVs) and warning letters issued by the FDA to pharmaceutical manufacturers. The FDA's warning letters and NOVs, which were issued to pharmaceutical companies over a 10-year period (2005 to 2014) regarding online promotional activities, were content-analyzed. Six violation categories were identified: risk information, efficacy information, indication information, product labeling, material information issues, and approval issues. The results reveal that approximately 95% of the alleged violations were found on branded drug websites, in online paid advertisements, and in online videos. Of the total 179 violations, the majority of the alleged violations were concerned with the lack of risk information and/or misrepresentation of efficacy information, suggesting that achieving a fair balance of benefit versus risk information is a major problem with regard to the direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of prescription drugs. In addition, the character space limitations of online platforms, eg, sponsored links on search engines, pose challenges for pharmaceutical marketers with regard to adequately communicating important drug information, such as indication information, risk information, and product labeling. Presenting drug information in a fair and balanced manner remains a major problem. Industry guidance should consider addressing visibility and accessibility of information in the web environment to help pharmaceutical marketers meet the requirements for direct-to-consumer promotion and to protect consumers from misleading drug information. Promotion via social media warrants further attention, as pharmaceutical manufacturers have already begun actively establishing a social media presence, and the FDA has thus begun to keep tabs on social media promotions of prescription drugs.