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.
This was a really good idea to do a blog on because it is so true. I can honestly say that I see these advertisements every single time I turn on the television. Although none of them pertain to me at all, I am always so curious to see what they are going to be discussing and offering a solution for. it is kind of hard to see it from our points of view in regards to if these drugs work or not because we are young and most of us have not tried really any off these (aside from antibiotics for flu's and things of that nature). I find it comical that the side effects of a lot of these medications being prescribed are almost just as bad as the sickness itself. By law they have to list the side effects and it says you may be subject to vomiting, diarrhea cramps and all these things. It all sounds terrible. But yeah i think that the majority of these over the counter drugs work. We all know that Viagra works for sure and Claritin. Interesting blog Jess.
ReplyDeleteWhat brought to my attention most was at the very end of the blog when you stated that their advertisement should aim to reach each and every member of society. I believe that these muti-billion pharmaceutical corporations are global. It frightens me when these medical companies have so much power and does little to save humanity. Rather than donating and helping people in poorer countries, they usually sell the medicine at high prices to market off their needs. In African countries where HIV plagues most all population, HIV medication is way to expensive and non affordable by ordinary citizens. These medicine produced by the medical companies are very effective, but are they all acting moral? I had a great time reading this post and thank you for sharing this blog with us.
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