Author(s) :

Abby Li.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) is a marketing strategy that advertises prescription drugs directly to consumers instead of through healthcare providers. With the rise of social media platforms, pharmaceutical companies have implemented DTCA on social media as a way to promote their products to consumers. The aim of this literature review is to analyze the impacts of social media DTCA on consumer healthcare. I conclude there are benefits to DTCA such as increasing consumer awareness and accessibility; however, there are also concerns over the reliability of information shared on social media which can harm consumers. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to use social media as a way to market prescription drugs, it is important to do so in a way that educates consumers while reducing potential harm.