DigitFreedom
Enthusiast
Reged: 12/03/04
Posts: 258
Loc: U.S.A.
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Why Are Prescription (Or O.T.C.) Drugs Advertised on T.V.? Why do we need the song & dance for all these new drugs? Dont get me wrong, I know that some people may not be aware of a new drug untill it is seen on t.v.... however, I feel it's best left to the doctor, or even "word of mouth" to know whats on the market and works best for our needs.
I guess I'm old fashion in some ways. I dont understand why we need lawers, doctors, hospitals, beer, prescription/o.t.c. drugs nor politicians to advertise to us. These are examples of products and services we should be able to decide our need based on better means than a t.v. commercial.
Sorry for the rant. 
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D.F.
Fighting for the right to affordable & uncensored internet access for all
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Lablady2
Old Hand
Reged: 05/05/04
Posts: 467
Loc: New York City
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They are advertised so Joe average consumer who doesn't know squat about what is called ethicals (that is Rx medication) will go and beat on his/her MD to prescribe - like the MD's don't get enough freebees from these companies via contests etc over which MD prescribes the most of whatever the company is pushing that month.
Most consumers don't know squat about prescription medication and if it sounds good on TV will go to MD and ask for whatever - and a lot of times MD is only too happy to oblige. These companies need to have the kabosh put on them BIGTIME - they are totally out of control.
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zippy66
Enthusiast
Reged: 09/17/04
Posts: 230
Loc: The Spine
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Even in National Geographic magazine, its full of adverts for prescription medications. Information on medications should be available to the general public but promotional advertisement should be illegal. If you need the medicine, a doctor will prescribe it, if you don't he won't. At the very least information should be made public in an objective manner and not in a promotional dancing laughing sunny TV commercial or Glossy magazine advertisement. It is the height of profit greedy unethical behaviour for pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Zip66
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DigitFreedom
Enthusiast
Reged: 12/03/04
Posts: 258
Loc: U.S.A.
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Quote:
Even in National Geographic magazine, its full of adverts for prescription medications. Information on medications should be available to the general public but promotional advertisement should be illegal. If you need the medicine, a doctor will prescribe it, if you don't he won't. At the very least information should be made public in an objective manner and not in a promotional dancing laughing sunny TV commercial or Glossy magazine advertisement. It is the height of profit greedy unethical behaviour for pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Zip66
Wow!
Thanks for the feedback gang.  At first, I was a little fearful that maybe I had vented my concerens on the wrong site... I'm glad to see that even among us o.p. fans, that we can share some agreement on this issue. I really feal strongly that the people should question these types of advertisments.
I know it may never be ileagle... but just maybe we can take the time out to ask ourselves who is REALLY after our best interest, and who isnt.
Peace.
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D.F.
Fighting for the right to affordable & uncensored internet access for all
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narcosis
Stranger
Reged: 08/17/04
Posts: 21
Loc: United States
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I think the pharmaceutical manufacturers had some crazy idea that they would develop medication, sell a lot of it, and make a lot of money. Advertising creates brand recognition which can help people feel more comfortable with using a particular product.
Levitra, Viagra, and Cialis are perfect examples of products that need brand recognition in order for people to feel more comfortable using them. After all, if race car drivers endorse Viagra... you shouldn't feel like you have a "problem" if you have to use it should you? Your spouse might feel more comfortable with the fact that you need this medication after seeing a commercial.
Advertising makes people associate products with lifestyles. An advertisement for medication that treats osteoarthritis and joint pain is bound to have older people smiling and playing tennis, swimming, or running on the beach. Why? Because older people want to be able to play tennis, swim, or run on the beach. The medication will help them do it. If the viewer can associate themselves with the lifestyle portrayed in the advertisement, they will feel more comfortable when their doctor prescribes the medication.
Yes it is all about money, but is this entirely evil? Do you go to work every day to make the world a better place? Or, do you go to work every day to receive a pay check? These commercials are all psychology driven by capitalism.
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Lablady2
Old Hand
Reged: 05/05/04
Posts: 467
Loc: New York City
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You just said it - driven by capitalism - but what you seem to forget is that we are dealing with human lives when we deal with "ethical" pharmaceuticals - an oxymoron if there ever was one. We are dealing with MD's on these companies payrolls that work supposedly for NIH, FDA, etc. We are dealing with shoddy clinical studies with MD's on these companies payrolls - come with me into one of these companies and see clinical studies done backward - or perhaps not really done at all - just someone's palm greased. So when the old fox in charge of the henhouse - the FDA approves the whatever piece of killer junk the ABC pharmaceutical company wants to kill you with - what better way than to advertise it to Joe Average who watches FOX TV and can't even spell his/her name. Joe will then go running to his MD for an Rx of whatever piece of crud the company is pushing - and is the MD is lucky enough - the company may even have a contest going that month and if he pushes one more script of crud to poor Joe - he will win that trip to Pago Pago. Of course you realize the advertising budgets of the companies far exceed the R&D budgets which they scream is what makes their crud cost so much!
Yep - Capitalism at it's best...........
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narcosis
Stranger
Reged: 08/17/04
Posts: 21
Loc: United States
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I read your post and I hear your point, but I can't entirely agree. There is no question that the medical industry is flawed. The direction of the industry is constantly defined by a balance between enhancing the quality of life for patients and increasing profits for doctors and companies. In my opinion, I would like to see both.
Do doctors deserve to live wealthy lives if they focus on the quality of life of their patients? Yes.
Do pharmaceutical companies deserve healthy profits if they pioneer new medications that may save, extend, or enhance lives? Yes.
Does the balance between generating income and treating patients create a conflict of interest? Yes.
I hear your argument, but in my opinion it is laced with plenty of conspiracy theory, assumptions, and disproportionate statements. Granted, you may be 100% correct, but I personally don't know enough one way or the other to make judgment. Yes, the system is askew, but I just can't grumble until I realize a better way. Do you have a solution or idea to bring to the table? Your anti-capitalist sentiment suggests you are fond of socialized medicine. I, for one, would like the opportunity to pay top dollar for top of the line medical treatment. Truly socialized medicine would not allow me to do so. Can I afford it? No. Do I want the option? Yes!
Just food for thought.
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TLM2
Newbie
Reged: 07/16/04
Posts: 37
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Hi,
I agree with your post. Our system is flawed. My husband is a doctor and he is not offered trips or perks to use certain brands. The most doctors are getting from drug companies now days are samples, pens, and maybe the drug reps will bring in a pizza.
In the old days, drug reps were allowed to pay for an all expense trip for the doctor and his family to an exotic location. The doctor may have to attend a two hour seminar on the medication. The government has put a stop to that. That hasn't gone on for a long time now.
TLM2
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Lablady2
Old Hand
Reged: 05/05/04
Posts: 467
Loc: New York City
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FYI - I used to work for a major pharmaceutical company, and what I saw with my own two eyes caused me to quit and switch to education. I do know what I am talking about - oh it may have calmed down a bit and is not quite so blatant now - but just look at the Vioxx caper - and please don't tell me Merck "didn't know"........
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FyErMoN
Journeyman
Reged: 10/01/04
Posts: 75
Loc: Midwest
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Why Are Prescription Drugs Advertised on T.V.? To make you look like a dork in the eyes of your Doctor when you ask him to prescribe them(LOL)..I am teasing.. Funny thing they don`t advertise they meds that really work or make ya feel better..
Be sure to catch the new Michael Moore movie coming out. I am sure he will blast the pharmaceutical companies for their crooked practice and techniques. I hope he sheds some light on outlawed Meds mmj ......Peace FyErMoN
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FyErMoN...(Retired Firefighter-Paramedic-EMT)
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catmom
Board Addict
Reged: 06/20/03
Posts: 330
Loc: Midwest
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I'd enjoy seeing a MM movie about pharmaceuticals. I think it's ridiculous that they have those perky, very slanted ads on TV. "Ask my doctor if "INSERT EXPENSIVE MED NAME HERE" is "right" for me, " indeed!
Blech!
Catmom
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"God, please help me to be the person my DOG thinks I already am."
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prettyday
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 02/09/03
Posts: 1102
Loc: Coastal Sage Scrub
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Oh dear....this is going to carry me away like a redhaired vixen on the cover of a bodice-ripping novel. This subject sets me so aflame with passion my hair crackles past blonde into flames of conviction teased into turbulent waves of thwarted dreams of improvement, as I sink down, down, down to my knees, begging for a rescuer, with my bosom heaving and my eyes alight with hope and welcome....
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First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.
- Mahatma Gandhi
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Lablady2
Old Hand
Reged: 05/05/04
Posts: 467
Loc: New York City
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Must be comatose lately - not really - very overworked at work and not enough "down" time lately - but what new movie is Michael Moore coming out with???? God - I hope he creamates the pharmaceutical industry as only he can do. They are a terrible industry - make zillions off the back of the misery of people at their mercy - are in bed with Congress, FDA, AMA - u name it
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anxious100
Member
Reged: 11/24/04
Posts: 132
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Lablady I'd like to thank you for your input on this board, while i don't get to check many of these off topic type threads much, I must say you've confirmed many of my suspicions about the pharmacutical industry.
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