{"id":10109,"date":"2014-06-30T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-06-30T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lifeline.philips.com\/resources\/blog\/2014\/06\/the-lure-and-allure-of-drug-ads.html"},"modified":"2023-10-23T12:22:09","modified_gmt":"2023-10-23T16:22:09","slug":"the-lure-and-allure-of-drug-ads","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lifeline.com\/blog\/the-lure-and-allure-of-drug-ads\/","title":{"rendered":"The Lure and Allure of Drug Ads"},"content":{"rendered":"

Advertising is a powerful drug. \u201cAsk your doctor if [fill in the blank] is right for you,\u201d blares the television commercial while cutting to a beaming, healthy, and fit senior taking a turn on the dance floor. Her drop-dead gorgeous partner doubles as a graying Patrick Swayze look-alike, and you could swear the music sounds an awful lot like \u201c(I\u2019ve Had) The Time of My Life.\u201d Is it any wonder you might want to get whatever they\u2019re selling?<\/p>\n

The end of the commercial tells another story. The\u00a0Food and Drug Administration (FDA)<\/a>\u00a0requires drug ads to list \u201cpossible side effects\u201d such as \u201cin rare instances, death.\u201d It\u2019s easy to miss some of the side effects because the voice-over\/auctioneer rattles them off at a speed just beyond the ear\u2019s ability to comprehend them.<\/p>\n

Drug Ad Pros and Cons<\/h2>\n

Drug ads encourage you to seek more information about your medical conditions, and that\u2019s good. But if Madison Avenue convinces you that a medication is going to have a positive, life-changing effect, how far would you go to get that prescription? Would you change doctors?<\/p>\n

While\u00a0it\u2019s vital that you receive medical information, the goal of drug ads is to convince the viewer that the imagery will become reality with the aid of the medication.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s painful to think that all that separates you from life\u2019s wonders is a pretty pink pill. The relief of pain sells \u2014 better even than the pursuit of happiness!<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s examine a five-point plan to help keep you off any unneeded medication:<\/h3>\n

1. Review the Q&A on the FDA Site<\/h4>\n

The answers you can find on the FDA site are eye-opening and alert you to what to watch for, as well as omissions that you\u2019ll find in drug ads. You might be surprised to learn that the FDA neither approves nor reviews drug ads.<\/p>\n

2. Talk with Someone You Trust<\/h4>\n

Run your reasons for wanting this drug by a trusted friend or family member and seek her input.\u00a0CaregiverStress<\/a>\u00a0reports that \u201crecent FDA research also revealed that both patients and physicians believe consumer-directed advertising frequently overstates the benefits of drugs and understates the risks.\u201d<\/p>\n

3. Conduct Internet Research<\/h4>\n

Research your drug on unbiased, reputable sites such as\u00a0Drugs.com<\/a>, which is\u00a0recommended by the FDA. The editorial team consists of registered pharmacists. Then, research possible lifestyle changes that could produce similar results.<\/p>\n

4. Talk with Your Pharmacist<\/h4>\n

Talk with your pharmacist. Your pharmacists may even know more about your drugs and than your doctors do. Your pharmacist can also advise you about the potential side effects, as well as any drug interactions with your current medication.<\/p>\n

5. Take Someone to the Doctor with You
\n<\/b><\/h4>\n

Now that you\u2019ve done your research, you can discuss pros and cons with your doctor, as well as any lifestyle changes that can help you avoid additional medication. Get a trusted friend or family member to accompany you if it makes you feel more comfortable.<\/p>\n

The purpose of television commercials and magazine ads is persuasion, not education. They lure the viewer with their pretty pictures. While medications can help keep you healthy, you don\u2019t want too much of a good thing. The best way to avoid making the wrong decision is to research and ask plenty of questions before leaping.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Advertising is a powerful drug. \u201cAsk your doctor if [fill in the blank] is right for you,\u201d blares the television commercial while cutting to a beaming, healthy, and fit senior taking a turn on the dance floor. Her drop-dead gorgeous partner doubles as a graying Patrick Swayze look-alike, and you could swear the music sounds Read more >><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":20157,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[46,26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10109","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle","category-safety-first"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThe Lure and Allure of Drug Ads | Lifeline<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Drug commercials can seem alluring, but might not be needed. 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