Should big drug companies be allowed to advertise on TV?

[HOUSE]

 

Edited July 12 by HOUSE

[AlCowlingsTaxiService]

I know it’s not allowed in Scandinavia countries, and they’re healthier than their American counterparts…the next person to sing in my ear that they’re lowering their A1C should be spittin chiclets 

[HOUSE]

I looked it up, pharmaceutical companies spend billions annually for commercial time, the cost adds approximately 30% to your purchase.

[HOUSE]

 

[BUFFALOBART]

1 hour ago, HOUSE said:

I looked it up, pharmaceutical companies spend billions annually for commercial time, the cost adds approximately 30% to your purchase.

I worked in Advertising in NYC, back in the '80's. At that time, pharmaceutical advertising was the dregs of the industry. It was to be avoided. Gouging the public, while collecting federal subsidies, is a formula that allows for ad budgets that create polished, but relentless commercials during prime time. I simply turn the sound off. 

[coloradobillsfan]

The idea of "asking your doctor about drug xyz" sounds absolutely preposterous to me.  Like what are we expecting them to say?  "Oh what a great idea, I hadn't thought of that before" ?? 

[aristocrat]

 

[HOUSE]

1 hour ago, coloradobillsfan said:

The idea of "asking your doctor about drug xyz" sounds absolutely preposterous to me.  Like what are we expecting them to say?  "Oh what a great idea, I hadn't thought of that before" ?? 

The idea is to shift the liability to the physician away from the drug companies 

[Joe Ferguson forever]

No.  we are one of, if not the only country that allows it.  How crazy is it that the intent is for patients to ask for expensive (sometimes very expensive) meds when something else may be indicated.  It must work or they wouldn't spend.  This is costing the healthcare system a great deal.

[oldmanfan]

No.  The general public does not have the knowledge to understand pharmaceuticals.  That’s why we have doctors.

[UConn James]

"Don't take Pillagex if you're allergic to Pillagex."

 

[rusty shackleford]

18 minutes ago, UConn James said:

"Don't take Pillagex if you're allergic to Pillagex."

 

Or any of its ingredients. 

[Mike in Horseheads]

5 hours ago, UConn James said:

"Don't take Pillagex if you're allergic to Pillagex."

 

I said something to my Dr about that part on commercials, she laughed and said isn't that the most ridiculous thing to tell you not to take something you've never had ! lol  

[Just Jack]

On 7/12/2025 at 10:26 AM, BUFFALOBART said:

 I simply turn the sound off. 

 

My grandfather would mute the TV during all commercials, not just the ones he did not like. 

[BUFFALOBART]

On 7/13/2025 at 11:54 AM, Just Jack said:

 

My grandfather would mute the TV during all commercials, not just the ones he did not like. 

I do the same. I have come to hate that entire industry. Truth in advertising? Don't believe that, for a minute!

[Fleezoid]

I think it's absolutely ridiculous that drug companies are marketing to patients. 

 

The commercials always end with "ask your doctor if [insert drug name here - I'll use 'crack' as it's appropriate for this drill], Crack is right for you."

 

If I go to my doctor and ask, "hey doc, is Crack right for me?" And he says, "You know, you're right.....Crack is right for you. It's absolutely what you need." 

 

Well, guess who's finding a new doctor?! 

 

And while I'm at it......every new drug has every side affect known to man. 

 

 

 

Edited July 15 by Fleezoid

[Joe Ferguson forever]

1 hour ago, Fleezoid said:

I think it's absolutely ridiculous that drug companies are marketing to patients. 

 

The commercials always end with "ask your doctor if [insert drug name here - I'll use 'crack' as it's appropriate for this drill], if Crack is right for you."

 

If I go to my doctor and ask, "hey doc, is Crack right for me?" And he says, "You know, you're right.....Crack is right for you. It's absolutely what you need." 

 

Well, guess who's finding a new doctor?! 

 

And while I'm at it......every new drug has every side affect known to man. 

People need to remember that several drugs have been recalled shortly after release.  New is not always better and can be worse.

https://247wallst.com/special-report/2018/12/26/18-of-the-worst-drug-recalls-in-history/