A public health expert says the advertisement of prescription medicine leads to overuse and misuse of medication.
But the industry rejects that, saying there's no evidence to back that claim.
Aotearoa is one of the only two developed nations in the world that allow the advertising of prescription medicines directly to the public, with the other being the US.
Some public health experts want the practice banned, saying it leads to the overuse and misuse of medicines.
Waikato Clinical School associate professor David Menkes told AM co-host Ryan Bridge Aotearoa's medicine advertisements aren't to the same extent as those seen in the US - but believes there's still a cause for concern.
"It's not to say it doesn't need to be scrutinised and evaluated… regarding whether its net effect on the health of New Zealanders is positive or negative," Menkes said.
He said his review of the evidence found the advertisement of prescription medicine is "more likely to cause harm than good".
"It also stimulates unnecessary prescriptions, which will be a cost either personally or for the drug budget."
But Medicines New Zealand chief executive Graeme Jarvis disagreed with Menkes' assessment.
Dr Jarvis told Bridge the only similarity between the US and Aotearoa is that we both allow it, but said it's "apples and oranges in terms of how it's done".
"In New Zealand, we have the current Medicines Act and the regulations, and we have six bits of other legislation, three other codes that are actually required. And engagement between the regulator and those doing the advertisements to make sure they meet the required standard."
Dr Jarvis pushed back on the notion advertising leads to overprescribing, telling AM there's "no evidence of that".
"That's why the Government officials looked at the evidence that was presented by both sides and decided to continue. There is no evidence to indicate there is overprescribing or any other risks."
Watch the full debate above.
