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Bayer Gets FTC Headache

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2000 -- Bayer will launch a $1 million education campaign to settle FTC charges that it made unsubstantiated claims in a series of aspirin ads, violating a previous FTC order.

The Bayer ads claimed that taking aspirin regularly can help prevent hear attack and stroke. In fact, the FTC charged, some adults would not benefit from aspirin and others could be harmed.

Aspirin can reduce the blood's clotting properties which can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes caused by blood clots. But it can also increase the risk of catastrophic strokes caused by bleeding in the brain.

As part of the settlement, Bayer agreed to run full-page print ads in a number of magazines with a toll-free number consumers can call to receive a brochure, "Aspirin Regimen Therapy -- Is It Right For You?"

Bayer also agreed that its future ads will contain a line that urges consumers to consult their physicians before beginning daily aspirin use.

Medical authorities said the education campaign would help clear up confusion about the proper use of aspirin in safely preventing heart attack or stroke.

"One of the most important messages of this campaign is ... that people should talk to their doctor before taking aspirin on a regular basis," said Dr. Claude Lenfant, Director of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. "For although research has shown the value of aspirin for people who have had a heart attack or stroke, aspirin regimen therapy is not appropriate for everyone."

The Food and Drug Administration recognizes aspirin as effective in reducing the risk of stroke or heart attacks in certain groups, including those who have previously have a hart attack or who have angina, and those who have previously had an ischemic -- or clotting -- stroke.

However, regular aspirin use can cause health problems, including an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, prolonged bleeding time and even intracranial bleeds, or bleeding strokes.

As successor to Sterling Drug, Bayer is already bound by a 1985 FTC order barring it from making therapeutic claims for over-the-counter analgesics unless it has reliable evidence to support the claim.

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