I don't really think that is right. Since when have our doctors become glorified drug dealers?
2007-02-11 11:57:32 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
The thing is that people should be aware of their own health and what certain ailments are. I mean we should not soley depend on doctors..
We should be aware of what is in the market.
It is true that doctors can be considered "god of drugs" but it is sadly to state that there are many doctors that are not aware of the new drugs or developments that are coming out.
So as a consumer when we mention a new drug name..it is the doctor's job to research on that medication and prescribe it to benefit us.
Also you can think of it like this...if you notice the ads tell you about possible symptoms..so if a doctor prescribes a certain drug to you..you can be aware of the symptoms and you can question the doctor about it if it is a concern for you.
Also many patients do not tell the doctors what they are allergic to or about their medical history. For example penicillin which many drugs do contain...so if you hear on the ad "if you are allergic to penicilling, this drug may not be suitable, see your doctor for details". So if our doctor is not aware that we are allergic to penicillin and prescribes the drug to us..at least in the back of our minds we know that this drug may not help us..and we can point tht out to the doctor.
If we can understand how to read a nutritional label on food packaging to see how much sodium or sugar foods contain... why can't we be aware of what medications can be beneficial to us?
I am glad that the pharmaceutical companies are advertising on tv so that way I know what is out there in the market.
2007-02-11 14:37:32 · answer #1 · answered by abc123 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not right. As a pharmacist, I see both sides of this issue. Many of the MDs don't like it. Even more pharmacist don't like it. But, for now, it's within the law as long as they follow the rules. I was recently at a pharmacy update, and there may be some new rules/laws regarding this. I wouldn't count on the death of these ads though. Drug companies have many politicians feeding of their profits. What's really scary is that money for research and development at drug companies is down while advertisement funds are up. Combine that with the fact that we live in a society where a pill cures all, and the horizon looks pretty dark.
The times where I think it fits is for over-the-counter meds. Those need to be shown with use and side effects. Anytime a consumer can just buy it off the shelf without talking to anyone, there needs to be some info and warnings out there.
2007-02-12 04:50:22 · answer #2 · answered by ontopofoldsmokie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it's right, but what the companies are doing is telling the consumers to pressure their doctor for the companies drug. I feel it is not right, because doctors know all the possible side effects of a certain drug and we do not, I guess that what drug companies are hoping for. Then, they can sell us more drugs to get rid of the side effects. It is an unending circle.
2007-02-11 13:43:17 · answer #3 · answered by Terry Z 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To Make Money, I've Said In the Past, "More Expensive is Not Necessarily Better", too Bad that Many Real Doctors that I've Known, don't Know the Difference.
2007-02-11 12:17:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably, so they can sell the thier product. Which by the way isn't a cure and will lead to side effects. Which takes more meds to help and thus the chain starts.
2007-02-11 12:13:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are hoping we pressure our doctors into giving us specific medicines, it does work in most cases. The FDA does review consumer ads and often issues warning if they contain false or misleading information, such as the case of Celebrex.
2007-02-11 11:59:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋