Advertising Drugs on Television

There are almost no issues on which I agree with Der Furor and his shambolic administration*, but limiting drug advertisements on television is one of them.

It takes a doctor years of training and experience to understand the human body and how specific drugs treat specific conditions and interact with each other. The knowledge your doctor accumulates through years of study and experience is not the same as a 60-second television spot which - accompanied by music and lighthearted choreography - tells you that a particular drug "may be right for you," along with a litany of unpleasant side effects and unhelpful directions like "Don't take Dumbasserin if you are allergic to it or its contents**." And on top of that, there are television and radio ads urging you to ask for drugs to address illnesses and conditions you never knew existed*** - greatly appealing to the hypochondriacs among us. 

The only ... only purpose for drug advertising is to make you fear that you have a particular illness or condition and manipulate you into asking your doctor to prescribe a new drug for it, thereby increasing sales for the manufacturer. If your doctor is current on medical issues (and most are), he or she already knows about the drug and whether they should be treating you with it. If you doubt me, read this OpEd from the Director of the Food and Drug Administration, Dr Marty Makary.

Perhaps rather than spending vast amounts of money on advertising, drug companies ought to use that money to subsidize the cost of their products for the people who need them.

Have a good day. Ask your Member of Congress if limiting drug advertising is right for you.

More thoughts coming.

Bilbo

P.S. I just thought I'd mention that this is post number 5555! Yowza!

B.

* There are two that I can think of: the other is the need to get a handle on illegal immigration, although I am horrified and disgusted by his approach.

** And oh, by the way, how would you know if you are allergic to it or its contents? Probably only if your doctor, who knew your medical history, was able to tell you. 

*** Really, did you ever hear of Dupuytren's Contracture before there was a drug advertised to cure it?