How Prescription Drugs Are Introduced

DrugsI am now of the firm belief that only unhealthy people or hypochondriacs watch television – other than me!
Or, I just happen to watch the same programs that people with various random health issues are watching. Over the last week, the number of prescription drug commercials on the shows I was watching became overwhelming.
HMA Public Relations has participated in a number of pharmaceutical drug introductions over the years.  One of the strategies then – and now – is to create a demand for the supply.  Sort of a backwards free enterprise economic model, but an effective way to introduce prescription drugs to mass audiences.
Without breaking any HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) laws, I have seen ads for the following ailments:

Pharmaceutical Ads on TV

  • Xeljanz – for rheumatoid arthritis
  • Jardiance – for diabetes
  • Trintellix – for depression
  • Chantix – for nicotine withdrawals
  • Cialis – for erectile disfunction
  • Rexulti – for depression
  • Enbrel – for rheumatoid arthritis
  • Kyleena – for birth control
  • Trulicity – for diabetes
  • Otezla – for psoriasis
  • Vraylar – for bipolar disorder
  • Linzess – for constipation
  • Victoza – for diabetes

I don’t know if I’m really the target demographic or if the research is off-base as to who is actually tuning in to those programs, but it might be time for me to make an appointment with the doctor!

Written by
at Apr 3, 2018

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