In 1997, the law was changed to allow drug companies to advertise prescription drugs on television without including a lengthy statement of every possible side effect. Each year since, there have been more of these ads. Television ads are still required to provide disclaimers about the main risks of each drug. Typically, such disclaimers are stated very quickly while smiling actors distract the viewers. In 1991, drug companies spent $55 million on advertising directly to consumers. By 2019, they were spending $4.5 billion. The average number of prescriptions per person in the United States has also increased. In 1992, that average was 7.2. By 2018, it was 17.6.

Prescription drug advertisements have the potential to be helpful. They often provide useful information. Drug advertisements may let consumers know about new medicines that could improve their well being. They can also lead people to talk to their doctors instead of ignoring a health problem. However, this advertising also causes some problems. Many people who go to the doctor assume they need a certain drug that might not be right for them. Doctors can feel pressured to prescribe the medication that the patients ask for. This might mean that the patient takes an expensive drug when there are less costly alternatives available.

Advertisements might also lead people to rely on prescription drugs as a fast solution to any health problem. But taking another prescription drug may be a short-term fix for a patient’s larger health issue, such as an unhealthy diet or a lack of exercise. People may also not understand the risks of taking the medication they see on television. Most prescription drugs also come with the risk of bad side effects. There is not enough time in a typical disclaimer to tell consumers about all of the possible side effects of a drug.

The United States is one of only two countries in the world that allow drug companies to advertise directly to consumers. Prescription drug advertisements can now be found in magazines, online, and on television. Is it helpful for drug companies to advertise directly to consumers so consumers can know more about their options? Or should we rely on doctors and health professionals to provide comprehensive options for prescription drugs?