The drugs that are advertised most on TV are also the least effective, according to a major analysis.
Johns Hopkins University researchers found that spending on promoting prescription drugs rose from $1.3 billion in 1996 to $6 billion in 2016. Ninety-two of 135 drugs included in the study, or nearly 70 percent, were deemed to have little health benefits.
Dr Michael DiStefano, the lead author of the study, said: ‘The findings suggest that shifting promotional dollars to direct-to-consumer advertising potentially reflects a strategy to drive patient demand for drugs that clinicians would be less likely to prescribe.’
‘When a consumer sees these advertisements on TV or social media, they should really question if it’s the best drug for them and have a conversation with their provider.’
The findings come amid lingering ethical questions regarding TV drug advertising and come just weeks after a Harvard study found a similar discrepancy between the amount spent on medical adverts and the benefit the medicines provide to patients.
$$$$$$ it always about the money! so sick of watching these criminals pushing their poisons! in most other countries it is illegal to do this, drug commercials! not here! everyone gets paid from the anchors the stations the corporate owners the politicians! and you get poisoned by taking their ill prescribed toxic chemicals! so sad!
It should not be legal to advertise prescription drugs on TV!
The American medical system is the leading cause of death and injury to American citizens.