If you think a drug you saw on a commercial is right for you, talk with your doctor about the problems with drug advertisements.

On Tuesday, the American Medical Association (AMA) called for a ban on direct-to-consumer advertisements for prescription drugs and medical devices. Such ads drive demand and costs for expensive name-brand treatments when those drugs may not be appropriate or when clinically effective, low-cost options are available, the doctors group said. The announcement is part of a larger effort by the association to make prescription drugs more affordable.

“Today’s vote in support of an advertising ban reflects concerns among physicians about the negative impact of commercially-driven promotions, and the role that marketing costs play in fueling escalating drug prices,” AMA Board Chair-elect Patrice A. Harris said in a news release.

The US is one of only two countries in the world to allow direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertisements—New Zealand is the other. Drug companies now spend $4.5 billion in advertising, a 30 percent increase over the last two years. And in that time frame, the cost of brand-name and generic drugs has risen, with a 4.7 percent increase in 2015.

“Physicians strive to provide the best possible care to their patients, but increases in drug prices can impact the ability of physicians to offer their patients the best drug treatments,” Dr. Harris said. “In a worst-case scenario, patients forego necessary treatments when drugs are too expensive.”

In addition to calling for an ad ban, the AMA plans to put pressure on federal regulators to curb anticompetitive behavior of pharmaceutical companies, such as manipulating patent protections. The association will also monitor pharmaceutical company mergers and acquisitions and promote patent reform.