Drug advertising is out of control in the U.S. -- and in an industry that should rely on the advice of qualified medicine practitioners rather than marketing employees, I'd be glad to see all drug advertising cease on television.

That notion won't be helped by a recent U.S. House of Representatives decision to remove part of a new bill that would have removed direct customer advertising for up to three years after a new drug is approved for use in the U.S.

It's no replacement, but at least lawmakers approved the ability of the FDA to fine drugmakers and others up to $250,000 (a mere pittance) for running television commercials that feature false or misleading advertising aimed at consumers.