What is the reason that commercials for medicines have a ton of warnings added?

Question

On TV, it says, ask your doctor... but then adds all these warnings about the medicine--when I haven't even asked anyone about it! I don't get the point of that when it's the doctor's job as well as the label on the packaging to explain everything. What is the reason for all this?

I mean, what is the point of giving warnings on TV. No one is able to get a prescription just from seeing an ad, it requires a doctor. Is this really because some doctors will just give a prescription for absolutely anything and some people don't read labels, so this may be their only chance to get the info across?

Answer 1

all medicines have a degree of risk and a disclaimer is required to avoid lawsuits in this litigation-happy society.

Answer 2

The reason for the warnings is that you should have some knowledge of the pro and cons before you begin to question your doctor. Perhaps the side effects mean the medicine is not right for you or perhaps your doctor will neglect to remember to tell you everything or maybe the drug is so new that he is not aware of all the problems with the drug.
When it comes to your health and pharmaceuticals, you can never have too much information.

Answer 3

because the medicine affects your WHOLE body in some way. The medicine isn't smart enough nor is your body able to "know" where to send the medicine. Ex. pain killers stop pain, they also slow down your heart rate, your digestive system, you get constipated, so your doctor gives you something for the constipation. Your pain is gone, so you risk injuring your body more, so you need more pain meds, more often. No one gets to the actual CAUSE of the problem, people want a quick fix. And the pharmaceutical companies want to sell more drugs to pay for those expensive prime time commercials. And then the health insurance companies want more money for their policies to help compensate for the cost of all of the drugs.

Answer 4

i attempt to persist with the instructions yet I particularly circumstances bend the guidelines. there is in many situations an age and weight variety on those meds and if my childrens are no longer fairly interior the type yet notably close then i visit offer them the medicine. i've got additionally had out pediatrician let us know merely to offer a million/2 a dose for some meds so particularly circumstances I do this. I continually use the youngsters style no longer the adults and such as you pronounced, i understand while to offer an OTC med and while to take my childrens to the frequently used practitioner.

Answer 5

The chair I am sitting on has a label saying that "children must be under adult supervision when using this product". Drugs are, I suppose, more open to abuse than chairs, but I do wonder if we have gone too far. What annoys me are all the ads telling you to ask your doctor if whatever it is is right for you, without saying what it even does.

Answer 6

Explaining the details could help people from wasting their time. Especially if they're exclusively going to a doctor to ask about that particular drug. Also, avoiding lawsuits could be a prime reason for the warning.

Answer 7

The drug company is ultimately responsible for any and all warnings about its products. It is a legal "liability" reason they do this. They MUST list all potential adverse reactions to the consumer to protect themselves from law suits.

Answer 8

The doctor would know more about the medicine and how it could effect you

Answer 9

Doctor's don't always read the pamphlet. You are the one to make the final decision about your health, your doc advises.

Drugs are controlled poisons.

Answer 10

they dont want the doctors to forget anything and have you not know the side effects of what ever drug it is you're thaking. plus, it is reqired by different companies. and sometimes your doctor will forget one or two of the effects!