Skip to main content
  1. Posts/

DTC Advertising

·6231 words·30 mins
Table of Contents

DTC Advertising – Direct to Consumer Advertising.  Everyone has seen the “Ask your doctor about whocares, a new drug to help you sleep/screw/be-happy” commercials on the TV.  These are the steaming turd in the diaper of medicine.

Lets take a stereotypical patient.  While he/she is sitting around leeching on the taxpayer dollar watching Judge Judy and Maury (“You are NOT THE FATHER”), he sees a commercial for a new drug.  The commercial is happy, wonderful, and promises a new life (in very vague terms) if you take this drug.  “ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT THIS”.  So the idiot does.

Idiot goes to his doctors office, and after signing his name with drug-branded pens on a drug branded clipboard and gets seated in a drug-branded chair while looking at drug-branded posters on the walls, he sees the doctor (who has a drug-branded clipboard and a drug-branded stethoscope).  He asks the doctor for the drug which he saw on the TV.

Now here is where I have the issue.  You see, in a perfect world the patient wouldn’t have advertisements bombarding him that he SHOULD be on this, because in a perfect world someone with medical knowledge would make the judgment call on what medications the patient should be on due to the symptoms presented.  The patient should have zero say in what he/she should be on, because he/she really doesn’t know enough to get the “whole picture”.  The patient shouldn’t say “I WANT TO BE ON THIS BECAUSE THE TV SAYS SO” but “I am experiencing symptom X, what do you think”.

Its now NOT the doctor making the decisions on what drugs a patient should be on, but the patient and the TV.  If the doctor says no, the patient will find another doctor who will say yes.  Now I’m not one to turn down business, but there is a huge problem with most modern trade-name drugs:

  1. Insurance companies (if they pay for it) reimburse $2.50 on that $200 Rx.  Its not even worth my time to even carry it.
  2. Most of the new trade-name only drugs are just “Me-Too” knock-offs because patents are expiring left and right.  I really don’t give a rats ass that a once-daily drug is coming out with a new XR formulation that is…. ONCE DAILY.  Seriously, who cares?
  3. All of the new and novel trade-name drugs aren’t the ones that are advertised on TV, only the shit patent-expiring crap.
  4. What the fuck is wrong with the generics that save the patient AND an overstressed health care system money?  Oh, not advertised on TV.

If the generic drug companies didn’t have their heads up their asses, they would advertise on TV.  “Watson Pharma! Bringing you quality generic Vicodin and Soma!”.  However I really wish they would just shitcan all of the DTC marketing crap and leave the selection of drugs to the people with the education to do so.

Comments #

Comment by Steve on 2009-03-11 04:23:44 -0700 #

Hear, hear! DTC advertising, along with competitor’s coupons and drive-thrus, are the bane of phacmacy.

Comment by Kathleen Weaver on 2009-03-11 04:47:38 -0700 #

Okay, I have a question for you — have my dog on Xanax (severe thunderstorm anxiety and don’t laugh, its made a huge difference in how she interacts with the household 24/7).
I had been paying around $10-15 a month for the generic, but this month it was over $50. How come, and is this something that is going to continue?
Frankly, that’s too much to spend on a dog and if it does continue, we’ll probably have to put her down.

Comment by Canpharm on 2009-03-11 14:43:16 -0700 #

I couldn’t agree with you more. In Canada it’s illegal to have commercials advertising prescription drugs. However, almost every channel on T.V. is American with American drug commercials,it’s a joke. I’d like to see generics advertise on TV and visit doctor offices the way brands do. They could show fancy graphs and charts the way brands do and include the price of both the generic and brands to let the patients and doctors compare. In a perfect world doctors would diagnose patients and leave the prescibing to pharmacists who would
select the most cost effective drug based on evidence based medicine. Over 99% of the time this would be a generic drug.

Comment by Dr. S on 2009-03-11 19:58:11 -0700 #

Amen! You’re my hero.
I’m not sure what makes me crazier…
Mr. Imsoimportant, the CEO who insists I write a prescription for Enzyte XR or whatever the hell other non-formulary crap-of-a-pill he thinks he’s entitled to down with a glass of Perrier each day…
Or the pathetic pharm-rep who has to hassle me about their Pristiq, Xyzal, Treximet, Amrix, Soma 250, or some new XR (“x-tra rip-off”) version of the most generic pill they can ruin…
I don’t want to turn away business either, but medicine should be about medicine – not about consumerism.
I won’t send you for a stress-test just because you want one.
I won’t prescribe a new mattress for you just for fun (“But doc, they won’t charge me sales tax…”)
I’m not giving you Ambien CR… Or Veramyst… Or any of that other garbage.
YOU can look up your own god-damned formulary. And no, I’m not going to waste my time on a prior-authorization for Zegerid… Go buy some Prilosec OTC. Or try Pepcid! Or, better yet, quit stuffing your face with tacos and beer so you don’t need all those pills in the first place.
I know… I know… You googled it, and clearly I have no idea what I’m talking about… Your mother’s cousin’s uncle’s friend watches “House” and somehow that makes you fucking William Osler.
But I’m not giving in. If you want a doctor, I’ll be happy to help you. If you want a bitch who will sign any prescription you ask for, then get the hell out.
Save your money, and don’t make me waste the pharmacist’s time with all the administrative crap your insurance company expects us to fill out (because we don’t get paid for that…)
Angry Pharmacist: I know you’ve had to put up with some remarkably stupid and thickheaded physicians – but just know that we’re not all like that. Some of us communicate with our pharmacists – consider their advice – respect their expertise. We’re in the same boat, really. Trying to help patients, protect them from their own ignorance, and trying not to bankrupt the system in the process… All in a day’s work.
Keep up the rant!
Dr. S

Comment by scriptgal on 2009-03-11 22:14:58 -0700 #

but the NEW IMPROVED drug must be better right?! and it’s always the ones who have DSHS or state insurance who insist upon it.

Comment by Voorbis on 2009-03-11 22:28:33 -0700 #

I’m just “noodlin” this around still, but I wonder if there is a better way to do this other than just blindly letting a doc decide. Because I figure that anything I consume (food or pharm) I should have some idea of what it does or some of the other options. And some doctors are just shit bags… I don’t know. Perhaps I’m just cynical and/or paranoid?

Comment by AJA on 2009-03-11 22:35:26 -0700 #

I agree. Roll back advertising on TV and print. Plus, ban the sleazy drug reps from doctor’s offices.

Comment by Paul S. on 2009-03-11 23:08:26 -0700 #

This happens way too much. If anything, the advertisements should be about disease states. Such as “Here are some ways that you can tell if you or someone you know is depressed” or “Here are some consequences of high blood pressure, so ask your Doctor what drug is best for you.” Instead the ads are “YOU ARE DEPRESSED! But WAIT THERE’S MORE! Its fine because if you try this new drug you will feel better than ever and be on romantic trips to the Caribbean like the people in this ad!”
Recently I had a medicaid patient come in and go up to a Tussionex Ad that was up in the pharmacy (Chain pharmacy and not my call to put the ad up) and said “I want that.” The person he was with said, “but you don’t even have a cough!” Well not even an hour later he comes back with a prescription for Tussionex. I mean jeez. Normally I would say he is an idiot because his insurance won’t pay for it or would kick back a $50 copay, but nope he pays $0.00 and has a new drink to sip while hes sitting home on the porch all day thinking of the next controlled drug he wants to abuse, while the rest of us are at work.
I mean AT LEAST lets not advertise controlled drugs. That is ridiculous that I have everyone coming in with Vyvanse scripts saying they can be like the guy from extreme home makeover now. They are pushing C-II’s on people, I’ve seen countless ads for “adult ADD.” I swear with the way things are going everyone is going to have amphetamines on board. And if they have medicaid then they can get the name-brand stuff of course!
I’m sorry but if you are getting handouts from the government and ruining our economy then you do NOT need name brand drugs (exceptions apply but should be prior auth anyway) especially to treat a non-existent cough.
But let’s face it, the doctors can be just as dumb when it comes to the drug reps. I had a cash paying customer who had been coming in for few months, getting 7 days worth of pills at a time because the doctor had him on Diovan, Vytorin, Avodart, and Zegerid. Poor guy didn’t know any better, but although he probably should have said something to his doctor. I went ahead and wrote down some medicines that he could be taking (lisinopril, simvastatin since zetia is worthless anyway, finasteride, and prilosec OTC). guy comes back and could get 3 months worth for less than what he was paying for 7 days before. I have seen a bunch of articles lately saying how people can’t afford their medicines, blah blah and are cutting costs. Well they could afford their medicines if prescribers realized that generics do work and weren’t so brainwashed by drug reps. Think about it, smart prescribing of proven generics would also prevent a LOT of Medicare patients from hitting their donut holes as well!

Comment by steph on 2009-03-11 23:17:25 -0700 #

Ay. Men.
I wish the insurance companies would not pay for this crap. Then the patient could decide with their own money if the drug is just the shiz.

Comment by FillMaster-5000 on 2009-03-12 00:43:33 -0700 #

I recently had this Lilly Rep come in and give his spiel about how “great” and easy to use the new Humalog KwikPen is, and as he was leaving he said something like, “Sorry, I wish I could give you some pens or notepads, but thats illegal now. I could get arrested”
And I thought, really? That’s a shame, because free pens were the only, I repeat ONLY, thing you were good for.
Guess I’ll have to plan a trip to the Office Depot.

Comment by chemoqueenrph on 2009-03-12 04:10:12 -0700 #

Dr S, you are da bomb!! I have had the mispleasure of getting prior auths for our chemo clinic patients and it’s a total pain in the ass!!
Emend, oral chemo, and even generic zofran! You spend 30 min on hold, only to be lied to, transferred, then cut off. I have had to open a can of whoop ass on the turds that answer the phones that think I’m some secretary and they can pull the wool over my eyes. I wish we had the luxury of more generics to choose from other than promethazine and prochlorperazine, which our docs do try first.
Kathleen, have you asked your pharmacist that question? Sometimes there is a glitch in the supply chain and the price goes up temporarily. There are other generic anti-anxiety meds that could be tried as well, such as Lorazepam (generic Ativan).
Voorbis, your healthcare is a partnership. We’re not saying you should approach healthcare with a blind trust. The problem we’re talking about here is people who have their minds made up before they walk into the doctor’s office because they got one small piece of one sided information.
Google if you must, but go in with an open mind when you explain your symptoms to your doc. You can’t believe half of what you read online. And 30 minutes of surfing the net doesn’t come close to the years of experience and training your doc & pharmacist have. So listen to what they have to say and ask questions so you can make an informed decision you feel comfortable with.

Comment by chris on 2009-03-12 06:10:05 -0700 #

I hate direct to consumer adverts, here in the UK we are just about to have Alli (orlistat 60mg) released here with huge marketing etc. I wont go into my opinions on efficacy/side effects now, but my point is that it its just an underhand way to get around the law banning adverts for prescription meds. The average british patient is fat/lazy and above all, cheap. so they will see this advert, see how much it costs and go straight to their GP to demand a prescription. I would put money on our xencial scripts going through the roof come april 22nd.
With regards to brand/versus generic, I think a good system would be that if you get a free prescription, you get what the pharmacist dispenses (the cheapest available generic) if you want a particular brand, you pay the difference yourself. I know there is issue that some people are actually allergic to excipients/dyes etc. But I think that if people were forced to pay for the brand, 99% of these allergies/bad reactions would miraculously dissapear.

Comment by Basiorana on 2009-03-12 10:00:29 -0700 #

Agreed! It irritates me so much to see them there. I like the idea of keeping things like birth control/EC, that you’re supposed to CHOOSE to be on and don’t need for your health, and maybe vaccines/preventative meds everyone needs as a reminder, but getting rid of all other prescription drug ads.
“Ay. Men.
I wish the insurance companies would not pay for this crap. Then the patient could decide with their own money if the drug is just the shiz.”
My sister’s bipolar meds, all together, cost over $200 a month. She makes minimum wage and lives in Boston. Take away her prescription coverage and instead of being a productive taxpayer, she’s sitting around her house alternating between crying into bonbons and buying shitloads of stuff she doesn’t need on credit. And she’d be doing it on your dime.
We chose (ie, pay for) prescription coverage for a reason. That adds up, especially when you’re on a lot of maintenance meds without good generic versions yet. You could argue that MEDICAID shouldn’t pay for prescriptions, of course; but you’re still way better off by covering psychiatric drugs to treat serious, biologically based mental illnesses, and having some level of coverage for life-saving medications– otherwise they go clog up the ERs and drive up the cost of care at hospitals.
“I’m just “noodlin” this around still, but I wonder if there is a better way to do this other than just blindly letting a doc decide. Because I figure that anything I consume (food or pharm) I should have some idea of what it does or some of the other options. And some doctors are just shit bags… I don’t know. Perhaps I’m just cynical and/or paranoid?”
Getting rid of DTC ads doesn’t mean getting rid of package inserts, websites explaining meds, etc. A smart patient would still research the drugs they are on or may be put on– the only difference would be you would have to actually research, instead of being spoon-fed, so you would need some degree of understanding to learn about it. So you wouldn’t get women coming in asking for Cialis because they saw it on the teevee.

Comment by Bob on 2009-03-12 10:51:41 -0700 #

AEtna actually does NOT allow name brand drugs into their forumulary if generic is available. At least the plan my company has in use.
Problem is, certain drugs such as Axert i have to take that specific brand. I have to get authorization from the doctor (read: I got an Rx already!), and he has to explain to Aetna that I have to take Axert because Imitrex will give me an MI.
So now I am allowed 12 per month. Its an effing joke. A game that needs to be played. I do understand generics are the same ACTIVE ingredient, but not the same INACTIVE. Yes the active molecule is the same, but the inactive stuff I find does change how the drug works.
Some meds, yes, even C-IIs I have to take the name brand.
Don’t get me on I am a drug fiend, addicted non-sense. I am knowledge, more than most, but it has nothing to do with watching House or ER. I read a lot of biology articles, books, have several close friends who are doctors and pharmacists. I have conversations with them as if I were there colleague. They even mentioned I should be a Dr or RPh since I do know a lot.
That being said, if a doctor makes a judgement call, I think its the doctors decision. Not some insurance company. It is a shame that AEtna is trying to save money and it is putting my quality of life at risk.
I am willing to pay higher premiums/co-pays to get my name brands, but now I have to pay full retail if I want name brand? That is fucked up and I am sick of this shit already!

Comment by tartnoir on 2009-03-12 14:57:03 -0700 #

When did DTC become so big in the US??

Comment by DVMKurmes on 2009-03-12 17:17:11 -0700 #

It always amuses me that people screamed murder ofer a few seconds of Janet Jackson’s breast but seem perfectly happy to listen to erectile dysfunction ads incessantly. How many parents have had to explain what an erection is to a youngster because of those ads?

Comment by WAGslave on 2009-03-12 17:49:58 -0700 #

Dr S., you are my new personal hero!!! We need YOU to be the new Surgeon General!!!

Comment by Crusty RPh on 2009-03-13 05:37:32 -0700 #

To Kathleen Weaver
It looks like someone made a mistake or you are going to one of the Chain Stores. ONLY LONGS(CVS), RITE AID OR WALGREENS WOULD HAVE A PRICE LIKE THAT. Check with the pharmacy again, maybe the manager and they should correct the error. If not, call around. It is still inexpensive and ususally made by as subsidary of UPJOHN.
Crusty
PS –Did you get a bottle of 1000 ??

Comment by RxDawg on 2009-03-13 05:48:44 -0700 #

Mrs. Weaver, I really don’t know why your Xanax Rx went up for your dog. But if you do not wish to treat the family pet, maybe you should try putting the dog “out” rather then “down” first.

Comment by Cody on 2009-03-13 09:07:00 -0700 #

Quote: “Yes the active molecule is the same, but the inactive stuff I find does change how the drug works.”
Pretty sure that’d be illegal, and the FDA would never sign off if that was the case.
Sure, your body may have some bizarre digestive tract that IN YOUR CASE you can’t have some generics, but don’t act like your post applies to everyone. Understand that you’re a special case, get your doctor to do the prior auths as needed, and move on. Don’t cry discrimination.

Comment by D91 on 2009-03-13 12:01:01 -0700 #

Bob,
Both Axert and Imitrex are contraindicated in people with Ischemic Heart Disease. Thats probably why Aetna wants to know why you need Axert.

Comment by wayspirit on 2009-03-13 12:29:29 -0700 #

There is one small silver lining to the DTC advertising (and no, I’m not reffering to cheap pens and other useless “free” crap) – theoretically, if more people are taking a certain drug, the price per pill should decrease… I know it doesn’t nesicarily work out this way, but just think of how there were relatively few Americans with Restless Leg Syndrome not too long ago; but, thanks mostly to DTC advertising, many Americans realize that they, too, suffer from this horrible disease. Now there are a TON of people who absoultely NEED Mirapex. If only a small handful of people were NEEDING Mirapex, then it would have to cost a whole lot more…

Comment by Lipstick on 2009-03-13 20:42:39 -0700 #

TAP…great post. I totally agree.
Dr S…you rock!!! I am a fan! You make my pharm-heart swoon.

Comment by WYRN on 2009-03-13 21:22:45 -0700 #

steph said:
Ay. Men.
I wish the insurance companies would not pay for this crap. Then the patient could decide with their own money if the drug is just the shiz.
March 11, 2009 11:17 PM
Maybe the head honchos at the insurance companies need to spend some of their advertising dollars promoting generic drugs and how to save money by requesting those. Most everyone wants to save a buck these days, and I’ll bet they could even get a tax break for putting out a public service announcement.

Comment by Mike W. on 2009-03-14 11:29:04 -0700 #

Hey TAP,
check out this idiot on medscape in the following video:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/588820?src=mp&spon=30&uac=129622EY
He has no idea about generic drugs. I sent a message to medscape to straighten them out, but unfortunately I’m not able to comment directly on the video because I’m not a physician. Just FYI.
Generics
There is a big misconception that generics vary by as much as 20% from brand-name drugs.
Some take this to mean that the amount of drug in the PRODUCT can vary by 20%. Others think it refers to the amount of drug ABSORBED…or the average BLOOD levels.
These assumptions are wrong.
The difference between most bioequivalent products is usually less than 4%.
The “20% rumor” originates from a lack of understanding of the statistical tests required to show bioequivalence.
A generic drug must show that the 90% CONFIDENCE INTERVAL of the mean rate and extent of absorption is within 20% of the brand.
The confidence interval is just a statistical test…to indicate how much results vary from the mean.
The important point is that these results can’t vary much for the confidence interval to fit within the 20% range.
Reassure patients that generic equivalents produce the same therapeutic results in the vast majority of cases.
Keep in mind that generics are tested against the brand…NOT to each other. In rare cases this could mean slightly more variation amongst different generics.
For some very delicately controlled patients on narrow therapeutic index drugs, such as antiepileptics and warfarin, try to stick with the same generic manufacturer for each refill. View Detail-Document #240704 (from the Pharmacists letter)

Comment by Pharm-I-See on 2009-03-14 18:47:08 -0700 #

Too true. DTC advertisements follow just behind Flo-at-the-hairdresser and that guy-with-the-lisp-at-the-busstop as credible sources of info. What really kills me is that they list side effects such as diabetes, heart failure and death on the adverts and people still ask their doctors. I remember when the adds used to say “ask you doctor OR Pharmacist” Not anymore. I guess that I too often refused to be Pfizer’s biotch and told people that the drugs were no better than the MUCH cheaper and effective alternative that they had been stabilized on for the past 20 years. Keep up the great rants…

Comment by say what? on 2009-03-14 20:42:58 -0700 #

“Don’t get me on I am a drug fiend, addicted non-sense. I am knowledge”
If you’re trying to convince people that you’re smart, that’s not really the best way to start.

Comment by scriptgal on 2009-03-14 22:51:25 -0700 #

TAP! I used to get emails about new posts…and now I don’t have that option. Did it go away or am I just missing it on your page?

Comment by Pharmacist Jolene on 2009-03-15 08:45:14 -0700 #

Agree, DVMKurmes!
“It always amuses me that people screamed murder ofer a few seconds of Janet Jackson’s breast but seem perfectly happy to listen to erectile dysfunction ads incessantly. How many parents have had to explain what an erection is to a youngster because of those ads?”
I complained to Time magazine several months ago because of a major drug company’s (headquarters in NJ) full-page ad describing results of an unscientific and misleading ED company sponsored-study they reported for their popular over-prescribed drug. The ad discussed results of the ‘study’ in vivid detail.
Sure, I subscribe to Science News and Scientific American for my jr high kid, and we went over the birds and bees long ago, but Time magazine is seen and read by more than just precocious kids. Where is the decency? Where is the fate of ED drug ads headed? I can just imagine looking up to the full moon at night brightly lit up for an ED ad stunt.

Comment by Leah on 2009-03-15 10:53:40 -0700 #

Most insurance companies are actually looking out for their clients. They require Prior Auths because they want to cut through the crap when it comes to Doctors prescribing the lastest and greatest drug when an approved and established generic has been available forever. I hate having to listen to patients bitch when I tell them it needs Prior Auth. They have no understanding that their insurance plan does not guarantee them a nice low co-pay, and that just because a Doctor writes you a script, doesn’t mean your insurance has to pay for it at all. You can still get your meds, but if it’s a stupid latest and greatest drug, or a dosage that is atypical, you can bet you’re better off just paying for it out of your own pocket if you simply *must* have it.

Comment by http://openid.aol.com/kiz707 on 2009-03-15 19:57:19 -0700 #

Whenever a company sees that a cetain insurance company will cover their “life-saving” drug, the drug reps are going to be all over the doctor’s nuts about it. “Hey, hey dr, now you can write this drug for these folks.” And they ALWAYS ALWAYS spew out some new fancy indication to the doctors, even though that indication has 10 generic drugs PROVEN to be effective in treating that condition.

the only problem with generic companies advertising on tv… now loads more of patients who say “I can only have the generic WATSON vicodin” will come from the floorboards.

Comment by New Pharm.D. on 2009-03-16 17:16:06 -0700 #

About the generic xanax pricing – I’ve seen that the prices of some generics have increased at pharmacies that advertise ‘discounted’ generics (i.e., $4 generics). Drugs in this class (benzos) have definitely increased at some of these pharmacies (perhaps to make up for a shortfall elsewhere?). Price shop around and see if your local store can match it’s competitors.
Random question – in terms of benzo dosing, do dogs need more of less than people? I’ve seen some REALLY high doses of dog benzos (so high it almosts makes me nervous to dispense) in dogs that weigh less than humans (less than 100 lbs). I’ve got zero veterinary knowledge… just curious.
-New Pharm.D.

Comment by The Ole’ Apothecary on 2009-03-16 18:09:01 -0700 #

I think my unfavorite DTC ad reads:
S.O. #1: “I have herpes.”
S.O. #2: “And I still don’t.”
Well, I’m an old-fashioned,57 y.o. coot who thinks that there should be more societal order. Are you two creeps married? If not, the ad you are in strongly suggests a likelihood that the pronouncement of S.O. #1 is going to spread.
Don’t like my idea of societal order? Lump it, and tough noogies.

Comment by me on 2009-03-17 14:23:28 -0700 #

Does medicaid reimburse you the full cost of the medications? If someone got a medication that costs 235.00 how much of that does medicaid reimburse you? Same question but for an insurance co like BCBS?

Comment by Daniel G on 2009-03-17 18:44:49 -0700 #

Inspired by your blog as a pharmacist, I wanted to start blogging about what pharmacy could be and how it could change…if you get a second I’d be honored to hear your thoughts or get a visit everyonce in a while.
I’m 1st year professional student, young, an idealist, not yet jaded by the reality of working in pharmacy (though getting there at 30+ hours a week), and perhaps (very) naive about what pharmacists can do but, hey, I just hope I’ll have a job, be happy, successful, and make a few people happier, healthier, and enjoy life too. If I can do that, I’ll be a happy PharmD.

Comment by rph3664 on 2009-03-19 16:46:36 -0700 #

New Pharm.D., I don’t know about canine benzo dosing, but I do know that dogs require levothyroxine doses about 10 times that of a similar-weight human.
I did a CE about this just a couple of days before seeing it for the first time.

Comment by shashila.wordpress.com on 2009-03-21 13:48:19 -0700 #

This is what I like (one of the few things) about the UK – no advertising of prescription medicines allowed 🙂

Comment by denverpham on 2009-03-22 20:15:40 -0700 #

Bob,
I think your Dr. and pharmacist friends are just being nice to you. Anyone who thinks Imitrex will give them a MI but Axert won’t should NOT be either a Dr. or pharmacist.

Comment by http://openid.aol.com/sandysrx on 2009-04-02 18:23:37 -0700 #

I am tired of doing this the hard way. I no longer want to watch what I eat, Tap please call my physician and request a script for Lipitor. As long as you are on the phone I would also like some xaxnax to help me with my commute to work with all the rude people. Once I get to work I will need some Vynase so I can excel in my career like the people in the ads. I do yawn sometimes in the afternoon and according to the web sire for Xylem I need that too. I hear they will help me beat the afternoon drowses. And what is a few more pills, I want some Ambien to put me to bed, I want the one that will dissolve in my mouth so I don’t have to go get water. I do want to still drink lots of Pepsi so I will need Ditopan so I wont have to pee all night and let the Ambien do its job. I have read all the ads in my tabloid magazines and feel this combo will make my life like a TV movie, Please call my physician at get the scripts and call my insurance for prior auth. I will transfer these rx’s next month to the guy down the street with a $10 coupon. thank you very much

Comment by Dr. Grumpy on 2009-04-04 14:01:03 -0700 #

I SO agree with this. I hate the DTC crap, pushing overpriced drugs that often have a cheap generic competitior out.
It really pisses off the Aricept bimbo that I no longer need her samples much, because all my new starts are generic Razadyne. Or, for migraines, generic Imitrex.
I use generics wherever I can, and overall don’t care. And am not a big fan of “me too” drugs in a category that already has generics.

Comment by Becky on 2009-04-08 22:29:30 -0700 #

Maybe one day I will be able to get a prescription so I can take a bath outdoors with a man in a claw foot tub… LOL! I swear that I didn’t know what that commercial was about for months after I first saw it… (CIALIS) but I still don’t get the connection – UNLESS they are swimming in semen… then I totally get it! I love reading your posts and ROCK IT, DON’T STOP IT!
🙂 BEXX

Comment by Pamela on 2009-04-13 00:22:27 -0700 #

I hate all those Ads for prescriptions on TV, and I hate all those ads for Extenze and things similar to it even more. I have young children and they don’t need to see that sort of thing.
This topic reminded me of this cartoon/video. Enjoy!!!
http://www.cafeoflifepikespeak.com/Videos/Licensed%20To%20Pill.swf

Comment by in ohio on 2009-04-13 20:50:51 -0700 #

Kathleen
I work with traumatized animals and have had very good luck with Valerian Root (sold as sleep aid in pharmacies). If you buy from stores, I’d give 2 pills to a medium dog. (Store bought tend to have fillers and be on the stale side)
I buy pure Valerian Root from bulk herb sites (usually about $6/lb) and then would use 1/8 tsp of pure Valerian Root powder.
If the dog is always anxious, I’d give 5 days/wk and skip 2 days (like Tue / Sat). If the dog does good on those two days, after about 2 weeks, I’d add a 3rd skipped day. And keep reducing days until the do no longer needs it. The only exception, if a storm is comming, I’d make sure she was dosed on those days until she was only getting on storm days. Then I’d try weaning her off on storm days too (like only 1/2 dose a couple times, then try her w/out it)
To give you an example, I had a horse that would tremble and sweat in fear to have a saddle on. He litterally exhausted himself standing still.
It was a pure fear issue. I’d dose, wait 20 min, saddle and the horse would be better. A couple days later, we’d do the same thing. It only took about 4 times befor the horse was perfectly fine and didn’t need the Valerian Root any more. I’ve used it with at least 5 animals who were paniced/petrified to get them to overcome their issues. To the best of my knowledge, none have relapsed. 2 I know for sure (because they’re outside my house right now) and the other three would have come back if they’d relapsed.
Good luck with your dog.
… on the POST itself… great post. Its strange to see DTC from pharm companies when they’ve been squished between anti-drug campaign ads.. for a while my station didnt realize that’s what they set up and it was
… crack kills (blah blah blah)
… our ‘happy pill’ may kill you blah, blah, bla
… drunk drivers kill blah, blah, blah
somehow they’d started running the trio like that over the course of a week and it was hilarious… I’m sure the drug company wouldn’t have been too pleased with it 🙂

Comment by Lynn Maudlin on 2009-04-14 19:52:40 -0700 #

I turned off my cable TV 14 years ago & don’t get broadcast television in my area. BIGGEST shock to me, visiting my folks & watching a TV show, was the proliferation of prescription drug advertising–
Frankly, I’d rather have cigarette advertisements! *eye-rolling*

Comment by John on 2009-06-03 13:38:52 -0700 #

You should not focus your anger at Pharmaceutical companies. You should focus your anger at the FDA if you really feel that there are too many “me too” active metabolites and single isomer formulations on the market. FDA approves the NDA application and the supporting data. Guys, this is America and we do have free enterprise. Physician’s have a choice to Rx based on diagnostic criteria and published treatment guidelines. Rx what you think is best for the patient. A strong argument can be made that DTC advertising helps educate patients in regard to their treatment options. Branded websites with patient information provide FDA approved messages backed up by clinical data to patients. Why is that so threatening to you? You don’t like dealing with a patient who wants to take charge of their healthcare experience? You think patients should just shut up and not try to educate themselves on treatment options? I say an educated patient who feels empowered has benefits in terms of adherence which leads to better treatment outcomes. Give Pharma companies some credit in bringing some game changing drugs to market. And a quick wake up call… all you guys “drink pharma kool aid” whether you think so or not. Whether it through CME, Med Ed, Journal Ads, Peer Reviewed Papers etc. Deal with it. Rx what you think is right for the patient and focus on what is important!

Comment by CHARLENE NOFS on 2012-01-14 22:37:11 -0800 #

I LOST 3 GOOD MEDS THAT WORKED FOR ME,AFTER WATSON CAME AROUND,THE PHARM. WOULD NOT ODRDER THE MED IF NEEDED,I COULD ONLY HAVE WATSON,I TOLD THEM I WAS TIRED OF BEING THE GINNEY PIG FOR THE NEW MFR,IF THEY DID NOT ORDER WHAT I NEEDED I WOULD JUST STOP TAKING IT AND IF DID,WENT TO GET MY MUSCLE RELXER,SAME STORY,THE OONE I HAS BEEN USING WENT OUT OF BUSINESS DUE TO WATSON,I TOOK THE WATSON ,IT IS IN THE CABINET,WHER IT NEEDS TO STAY ,IT DOES NOT WORK FOR ME.IT IS BAD ,WHY DO WE EVEN GO TO THE DOCTOR,JUST LET THE PHAR. GIVE US WHAT MAKES HIIM THE MOST MONEY, WHO CARES ABOUT US,BUT YOU WILL REMEMBER WHAT GOES AROUND COME BACK AROUND,GREED IS NOT THE ANSWER,IT IS LOVE. SEE YA

Comment by CHARLENE NOFS on 2012-01-14 22:38:49 -0800 #

i did leave a reply you took it away i am tired and goiing to bed