There's a Drug For That

It seems every time that I turn on the television I am bound to see a commercial advertising some sort prescription or over-the-counter medicine. It doesn't matter what time of the day, what channel, or what show is currently broadcasting, one will typically watch a commercial promoting a drug wether it be for depression, poor bladders, the flu (regular or children's), the common cold (regular or children's), back pain, arthritis, high cholesterol, heart problems, birth control, allergies, foot fungus, dandruff, hair loss, and the list goes on and on. Basically, if you have some sort of discomfort or problem, your local drugstore is guaranteed to have the solution. Television commercials, along with magazines are an effective way to advertise these medications to the public, which the drug companies hope and assume will prompt viewers to ask his or her doctor about that particular product and/or go out and buy it.

In the past 50 years or so there has been much controversy regarding the advertisement of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. They have been deemed as being misleading and lacking adequate information, which has lead to the regulation of advertising prescription drugs by the Federal Drug Association (FDA). So all of these circulating ads pose one outstanding question, are they benefitting or harming the public? By promoting their pills and creams and syrupy liquids, are the drug companies keeping the public's safety and health the number one priority? Or is it making money and having top sales? 

While the advertisements may get excessive and monotonous, with ambiguous facts, their overall results are successful and effective. When struggling with say a bladder problem, and one has run out of options until they see a commercial on the television for a new kind of medication to relieve their problem, leading them to talk to their doctor in further detail and possibly finding that anticipated solution. With the field of pharmaceuticals so booming as it is right now, with new and approved drugs proving to cure numerous infections, colds, and discomforts, their advertisements should aim to reach each and every member of society possible.