Direct to Consumer Advertisements: Pharmaceutical Industries
This paper analyzes some of the advertisements pharmaceutical drugs direct at consumers.
Television Adverts
Humira
Humira targets patients suffering from rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. It treats joint pain, targets and blocks inflammation. The advertisement does not show its consumers the type of drug Humira is, assuming that only those affected will make use of it under prescription. The side effects are well elaborated including severe allergic reactions especially to patients with infections. The ad estimates the expenses Humira patients have and directs consumers to their website for more information on cost (iSpot.tv, 2021b).
Dupixent
Dupixent commercial captures the attention of asthma patients. It is a prescribed injection for moderate to severe asthma. It assumes that consumers understand what steroids are, mentioning that it works perfectly like an oral steroid. Its side effects are brought out clearly including anaphylaxis and patients are advised to contact their doctors. The information on the cost is not so detailed. Patients are to get the prices outlined on their website (iSpot.tv, 2021a).
Internet
Lyrica
Lyrica ad targets patients suffering from fibromyalgia. It calms the nerves and relieves pain. Lyrica’s side effects have been well brought forth including allergic reactions and suicidal thoughts. Greater indications have been stated against patients using alcohol. The assumption made in the ad is that patients know their diagnosis before trying Lyrica. The ad lacks any information on the expenses involved (Lyrica TV Commercial, 2020).
Entresto
This ad is appropriate for patients experiencing heart failure. The ad explains the benefits of the drug in promoting a healthy heart and is under prescription by cardiologists. The side effects of the drug have been laid out clearly, pregnancy being one of the indications. The ad assumes that consumers will take the necessary advice and precautions from their medical providers. The cost estimated is only applicable for patients under insurance cover (Getaway’s EXTRA, 2020).
Medical Journals
Trulicity
The Trulicity ad targets medical providers as well as patients suffering from diabetes. From the images and written text, it is clear that the drug is an injection that comes in different doses. The ad assumes that patients can differentiate it with insulin, stating that it boosts the blood sugar of adults with type 2 diabetes. The possible side effects have been outlined including nausea and low blood sugar. The details on the costs have been overlooked (KANTAR, 2019).
Invokana
This ad shows tablets for patients with type 2 diabetes. The text describes it as effective for lowering blood sugar for patients with cardiovascular diseases. It does not consider the interest other patients with diabetes may have concerning it. The side effects have been spelled out clearly though there is inadequate information on its affordability (KANTAR, 2019).
Conclusion
Pharmaceutical industries use DTCA mostly to increase their sales. Though these drugs may be beneficial to patients, some of their advertisements may be misleading and require expert advice. As DTCA is not limited by any federal law, the information used in getting more consumers may prove to be of more harm than good (Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, 2019; Sinha et al., 2018).
References
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2019). Background on Drug Advertising. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/prescription-drug-advertising/background-drug-advertising
Getaway’s EXTRA. (2020). Entresto Commercial (2020). Www.youtube.com. https://youtu.be/sBczAelR2TM
iSpot.tv. (2021a). Dupixent TV Commercial, “Du-More.” Www.ispot.tv. https://www.ispot.tv/ad/o9mr/dupixent-du-more
iSpot.tv. (2021b). HUMIRA TV Commercial, “Body of Proof: Dog Walking.” Www.ispot.tv. https://www.ispot.tv/ad/Zp4Z/humira-free-time
KANTAR. (2019). Professional Health Print Ad Spend Through December 2016. Www.kantar.media. https://www.kantarmedia.com/us/thinking-and-resources/blog/professional-health-print-ad-spend-through-dec-2016
Lyrica TV Commercial. (2020). Www.youtube.com. https://youtu.be/Uu1ImCUPso8
Sinha, M. S., Kesselheim, A. S., & Darrow, J. J. (2018). Pharmaceutical Advertising in Medical Journals. Chest, 153(1), 9–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2017.09.048
