Direct to Consumer Ads: Should They Be Allowed?

The karma of Big Pharma is revealed in a discussion of the business orientation and lack of ethics. Direct to consumer ads are banned in all countries except the US and New Zealand. Big pharma spends billions every year on DTC ads. Profit is the purpose. More money is spent on advertizing that on research! We are clearly susceptible to DTC ads, they sell prescription drugs and both patients and physicians are influenced. Big Pharma spends enormous resources on these ads because they work to sell product. Big pharma has no conscience when it comes to selling drugs. The FDA does not adequately regulate DTC ads and we become brainwashed by ads that give the perspective that products are far better than they are. Taking a new drug is not always a good idea because they have not been around long enough to learn all their dangers. It is the effectiveness of big pharma's advertising, especially DTC ads, that entice us to try a new drug. When considering a new drug, keep in mind that you have to add up the percentages of all side effects to determine their true incidence.