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TOO MUCH ADVERTISING ON TV

PENNY J. LEVITT | MARCH 09, 2010 | OTHER

4 Comments

Why is there so much advertising concerning medications that not only have to be prescribed by a physician, but costs the advertising company money that they don't need to spend? The more advertising money spent, the higher the prescriptions are. And why in the world do the drug companies advertise Prescription medication? People can't go out and get it, it needs a doctor's prescription so why not leave it up to the doctors and save money?

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	Kate Marsh 03/09/2010 07:30:55 PM	Sure, doctors still have to prescribe the meds, but like everything in life...knowledge is power. I agree with the advertising you see on TV. I'm a 30-something female and can tell you that my parents, although in good health, do have some issues with high blood pressure, osteoporosis, etc. Although these complications aren't affecting my body personally...you can be sure that I'm keeping up with the latest news on these types of meds for my parents. Even if it is a short commercial sending me to a link for more information.
	Sara M 03/11/2010 10:38:59 AM	I think the prescription drug advertisements are both good and bad. As per the good part, it gives us the knowledge and description about various medicines available. Imagine how many medicines do we know even if we are prescribed that medicine. It is always what the doctor gives and we take. But with advertisement we come to know about the medicine and the usage. Now, the bad part is the commercialization of medicines. It's not a candy or a new chocolate that depends on your liking. Prescription drugs should be prescribed by doctors. Even if I know (after seeing in TV commercial)about certain medicine I should still rely on my doctor for a good medicine. But, you know, 'every problem has a product' in this country, so that is another reason for the pouring of prescribed drugs advertisements.
	Patt Christie 05/12/2010 03:12:06 PM	One coin. Two sides. The plus is: an educated patient can talk with his/her doc about various medications and which are best for that person's particular circumstances. The minus is: some patients will insist on getting that prescription, even if it's not the best choice or even necessary.
	Craig Stevens 05/18/2010 09:11:54 PM	I think the plus side of knowledge, whether it's through advertising, experience or any other means is that you can participate in the decisions that affect your care. Does that mean you argue every point with your doctor? Absolutely not. But does it mean you ask informed questions and have a say about where you go, and what happens to you? Yes. And that's a good thing.

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