Drug, Device Online Misinformation Gets FDA Look After 10 Years

Prescription drug and medical device makers could directly correct claims made by social media influencers or other third parties on unapproved uses of a medical product, under revised draft guidance the FDA issued Monday amid growing concerns on health misinformation online.

The draft guidance, titled “Addressing Misinformation About Medical Devices and Prescription Drugs,” replaces recommendations the Food and Drug Administration issued in June 2014 for medical product manufacturers responding to false or misleading information on social media and other online platforms.

Federal lawmakers, regulatory attorneys, and patient advocates have called on the agency to clarify its authority over social ...