I am sorry that this will not have my typical humor or sarcasm, but advertising by the big drug companies is so disturbing I don't think I can squeeze one ounce of humor into this blog.
I often listen to NPR on the way to work and today was no different. This morning I heard a compelling story about a 16 year old girl who asked her Doctor to write her a prescription for YAZ, a birth control pill that was very heavily marketed to young women a couple of years ago. She had seen the advertisements on TV and had some of the symptoms mentioned as possible added benefits.
I had seen the ads and found them troubling because the women in the ad were discussing this medication as if it were the newest movie at the local cinema or the latest book on the bestseller list. The discussion also implied extra benefits like reducing acne and PMS symptoms.
The claims were so overstated that the FDA required the drug company, Bayer, to rework the ad campaign clearing up some of these unfounded claims. The drug again is for birth control.
The young lady in the feature story became critically ill with a lung embolism, which can be fatal, and a massive clot in her leg that is still symptomatic and may never completely go away, according to her doctors.
She is now one of 2700 hundred women who became so overcome with side effects, that they are suing Bayer. The drug has been on the market for six years.
Bayer made 800 million dollars on Yaz last year and probably budgeted for these lawsuits. How much money did you make last year?
Please look at this story yourself:
link:http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129258505
Bayer is not the only company that overshadows the side effects of medications by sensationalizing the benefits. I believe there is a place for prescription drugs, but why are we getting our information on TV, from the very companies that are reaping HUGE profits from these serious medications?
Your medications should be prescribed by a physician who only has your best interest at heart and not the latest RX pad from the last pharmaceutical rep that came through the door.
What can we really do about this? Perhaps if it sounds too good to be true, it just may be. I think keeping things simple is a good start. A medication that has been on the market for some years verses the newest kid on the block might be a good start. Also, look around and find out what other options are worth considering.
I find this kind of advertising intrusive and offensive. It might be wise to start looking at commercials and realize they are really created so that you will watch them and take an action. Did you ever watch a drug commercial and find yourself thinking, " I think I have that symptom." This is a good way for big business to increase revenue not necessarily help people live a healthier life. It is my opinion that 99% of what most ad's say is a huge embellishment of the facts and truth. I used to tell my boys that the advertising for McDonalds Happy Meals was really just, "big people and companies trying to make money from children." It seems to hold true about drugs and drug companies except you can replace 'children' for 'every living soul that has a wallet, credit card and medical insurance benefits of some kind.'
Drugs are sometimes necessary and occasionally a miracle in a capsule, but not as often as you might think.
Be smart, ask questions, research the answers and then, ask MORE questions. Most of all take the best route PREVENTION! Your health is a gift , do something everyday to preserve it and you will never be sorry you did.
To your health,
Laurie
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