American Medical Association calls for an end of direct to consumer advertising -- UPDATED

The American Medical Association, which represents 250,000 doctors, has called for an end to direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription drugs, a $4.5 billion-per-year industry in the United States, AdWeek reports.  The US is one of very few countries in the world that allows such a practice.  Of course, the AMA does not dictate policy for the FDA or Congress but its position may have some influence.

UPDATE (12/7/2015):  Torts Today and AboutLawsuits.com have more on the story.

UPDATE (12/13/15):  The New York Times has a short editorial on the issue here.