What federal act/regulation prohibits false or misleading prescription drug advertising and statements?

• A. Lanham Act
• B. Pure Food and Drug Act
• C. Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act)
• D. FDA advertising regulations

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that prescribing drug promotion is governed by the FDA’s rules and regulations, not a general advertising statute. The FDA enforces that prescription drug advertising and statements be truthful, not misleading, and balanced—listing risks as clearly as benefits, and avoiding unsubstantiated or off-label claims. This authority comes from the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the FDA’s implementing advertising regulations, which specifically address how drugs may be advertised and promoted to both clinicians and the public.

The other options don’t fit as precisely. The Lanham Act deals with misrepresentation in commerce more broadly and is not the primary framework for regulating prescription drug advertising. The Pure Food and Drug Act lays the groundwork for drug safety and labeling but does not provide the modern, specific advertising controls used today. The FTC Act covers advertising for many products, but prescription drug advertising falls under the FDA’s jurisdiction due to the nature of drugs and the need for substantiated, risk-based communication.