The opposition seems to be overlooking one teensy little fact. The proposed law isn't authorizing anyone to make any unfounded claim that pops into their head. The law is suggesting that when there is scientific evidence, that evidence should not have a gag order placed upon it.
The example I keep bringing up is Niaspan. The active ingredient in this recently-approved prescription medication is 500 mg. of extended release niacin, a B-vitamin. Abbot Laboratories is free to make the following health claims:
NIASPAN is a prescription medication used along with a doctor-recommended diet to:
Raise HDL ("good") cholesterol and lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides in people with abnormal cholesterol levels.
Lower the risk of heart attack in people who have had a heart attack and have high cholesterol.
Help slow down or help clear the build-up of plaque in the arteries when used with a bile acid-binding resin (another cholesterol medicine), in people with coronary artery disease and high cholesterol levels.
SLO-NIACIN is a dietary
supplement that has been on the market for years and years. The active ingredient is 500 mg of extended release niacin. Yet, the most the manufacturer can say about it is "SLO-NIACIN® Tablets can help maintain good cholesterol (HDL) within the normal range."
These products are identical (except for the price).
