article about new type of DTC ads | Arthritis Information

 

I noticed these a few weeks ago.  Have you seen them?  Instead of mentioning a drug, the ad sends you to a website for info.  This article says that way they don't have to list the side effects in the ad:

http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2008/08/29/for-chantix-and-ambien-ads-that-dare-not-speak-the-drugs-names/
Suzanne,

I guess the point is they no longer have to list the side effects in the television ad, as long as they don't say the drug name.

I can assume from that point, if I am a marketer, that a consumer might not read them on the website, or if they do, might not be as influenced as they would by hearing the list go on and on.

I can also assume, as a consumer, that marketers do not put up websites solely for public service (unless, um, ordered to do so by a court of law?); they intend to sell their product.

That said, I do believe there are people who will go to the websites and learn about alternatives and use them successfully!  I just think that probably isn't what the sponsors hope most people will do!
I think it's more so that they don't have to spend the money listing the side effects on the extremely expensive tv ad. Generally they say them so fast that they are hard to keep up with any way. I read and re-read all warnings and s/e of meds that I am prescribed and I guess I just ignorantly believe that everyone is just as concerned with their meds and s/e. [QUOTE=Suzanne]I guess the point is they no longer have to list the side effects in the television ad, as long as they don't say the drug name.

I can assume from that point, if I am a marketer, that a consumer might not read them on the website, or if they do, might not be as influenced as they would by hearing the list go on and on.

I can also assume, as a consumer, that marketers do not put up websites solely for public service (unless, um, ordered to do so by a court of law?); they intend to sell their product.

That said, I do believe there are people who will go to the websites and learn about alternatives and use them successfully!  I just think that probably isn't what the sponsors hope most people will do!
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These types of "ads" have been around for years, both on TV and radio - and not just for pharmaceuticals.

I think many people would prefer to read them on a website or handout, rather than hear them blurted out quickly at the end of a 30-second ad. 
Okay, I have another question:   Why are they also taking magazine ads for these websites?  You could read all of the info there, instead of going to the site.


Suzanne- Why do we even need direct to consumer advertising (dtca)?  Its not like the consumer can walk into a store and buy these meds off the counter, you gotta see a doc for a prescription, and i'm sure he/she is informed by drug rep marketers of the latest presc meds. [QUOTE=Joie]Why do we even need direct to consumer advertising (dtca)?  Its not like the consumer can walk into a store and buy these meds off the counter, you gotta see a doc for a prescription, and i'm sure he/she is informed by drug rep marketers of the latest presc meds. Lynn492008-08-29 14:45:12As far as I can see the main purpose in advertising a drug direct to the consumer is to get the consumer to ask the Dr for it.  If the consumer does not clamor for it do you think your cheap ass HMO is going to put it on their formulary? After all these are the name brand drugs - new and under patent -mostly. While some of you don't have a problem with the concept of DTC ads, I recall some pretty harsh criticism on this and other boards about how your conditions are portrayed in DTC ads.  About how some of your friends/family can't understand why the meds don't work like that for you, etc. 


[QUOTE=Suzanne]While some of you don't have a problem with the concept of DTC ads, I recall some pretty harsh criticism on this and other boards about how your conditions are portrayed in DTC ads.  About how some of your friends/family can't understand why the meds don't work like that for you, etc. 


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Do I like all the ads? No.  Some of them are quite insulting.  But that can be said for lots of ads - take a look at the countless ads that make men look like bumbling idiots when it comes to anything domestic besides the backyard BBQ. [QUOTE=JasmineRain]

I certainly don't think the ads should be banned.  You gotta ask yourself what gets banned next?  Suppose someone doesn't like the exchange of ideas here?  Or at Roadback.org?  [QUOTE=levlarry]I read and re-read all warnings and s/e of meds that I am prescribed and I guess I just ignorantly believe that everyone is just as concerned with their meds and s/e. [QUOTE=Suzanne] [QUOTE=levlarry]I read and re-read all warnings and s/e of meds that I am prescribed and I guess I just ignorantly believe that everyone is just as concerned with their meds and s/e. [QUOTE=JasmineRain]

And that's why the FDA mandates that the drugs are prescription-only.  You can't just walk into Walmart and pick up a pack of Embrel (or Enbrel, for that matter).  You've got to get someone who spent 10+ years in college/med school who agrees with your self-diagnosis and your need for the product. [QUOTE=Suzanne] [QUOTE=JasmineRain]

And that's why the FDA mandates that the drugs are prescription-only.  You can't just walk into Walmart and pick up a pack of Embrel (or Enbrel, for that matter).  You've got to get someone who spent 10+ years in college/med school who agrees with your self-diagnosis and your need for the product.THere must be a reason why ALL other countries, except US and NZ, do not permit it.  Must be a reason. [QUOTE=Jan Lucinda]THere must be a reason why ALL other countries, except US and NZ, do not permit it.  Must be a reason. It might be that they think consumers can be gullible and easy fooled.  Consumer protection is a legitimate function of govt in my opinion. [QUOTE=Jan Lucinda]It might be that they think consumers can be gullible and easy fooled.  Consumer protection is a legitimate function of govt in my opinion.[/QUOTE]


It's not my fault if people are too ignorant to understand.  Like I said, that's why the FDA has made these compounds prescription-only.  You need the advice and consent of someone who has dedicated at least 10 years of his/her life to studying these things.

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