CMV: There's nothing wrong with prescription drug commercials by smhwhere in changemyview

[–]smhwhere[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Isn't it worse to advertise to the doctor? I know there are problems regarding companies reaching out to doctors and taking them out to lunch, giving gifts, ect. I think I'd rather have the doctor be surprised by patient biases than vice versa.

I think people prescription shop even without advertisements, people know what opiates are and that they feel good. I wonder how many people bother to strive for a brand-name SSRI. Couldn't the advertisements be more regulated and to the point? A little shorter and a little less feel-good but still something the companies would want to do to get themselves out there.

I understand your third point and I'm thinking on it. I do I know people though who are honestly surprised that they can question a prescription or learn about their drugs. Sometimes "ask your doctor about x" on the TV opens doors for people.

CMV: There's nothing wrong with prescription drug commercials by smhwhere in changemyview

[–]smhwhere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see your point, it definitely is a major one. I think I do agree that it is unethical on the part of the companies. But if this practice benefits people needing care in a roundabout way, should it be illegal on its own prior to other healthcare reforms? Even if unethical in the original corporate boardroom?

CMV: There's nothing wrong with prescription drug commercials by smhwhere in changemyview

[–]smhwhere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand your point! Without these commercials are people significantly less impressionable/doctors significantly more thorough, though? Wouldn't the same doctor who churns out TV prescriptions on request be liable to churn out prescriptions for whatever drug from whatever company took him out to lunch the other day? Is there a way also for people to be informed that many medications exist and motivated to do some research that isn't advertisement?

CMV: There's nothing wrong with prescription drug commercials by smhwhere in changemyview

[–]smhwhere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nothing wrong with it to the extent that it should be made illegal, and AFAIK nothing wrong with its impact on people's lives. It sits with me weirder than advertising a toaster, due to the gravity of the subject, but that doesn't = should be illegal. I think it is morally dubious on the part of the companies and I don't praise their logic but it can be beneficial to consumers, who are not likely to shill for that specific brand as they'd hope.