Grab Drug Advertisements by the Pills: Part Six
We’re reached the final installment of Grab Drug Advertisements by the Pills. What have we learned so far? Well, we’ve learned that:
- Drug advertisements can both confuse and educate viewers.
- The FDA regulates what drug companies do and do not have to reveal in their advertisements.
- While the most expensive drugs tend to dominate the advertisement scene, there are ways you can save money on prescription medications.
- Many drug advertisements deal with newer, less-familiar drugs, and why it may be best to wait a while before trying any.
- There are lifestyle changes that can give results similar to what the drugs would provide.
Hopefully the information in this series leaves you feeling more informed; however, I realize some of it may also leave you feeling a bit worried about the power of drug advertisements and drug companies. Coupled with the worry that drug advertisements themselves may cause (regarding your own state of health), you may feel a bit overwhelmed.
Don’t.
Obsessing, especially over your health, can magnify your present symptoms as well as make you feel as if you have symptoms that you don’t actually have.
The best, bottom line advice anyone can give you regarding your health is talk to your doctor. Yes, the point of this series was to encourage you to take a more active role in your health care; however, that doesn’t mean your doctor shouldn’t also play an active role. If a drug advertisement clues you in on a condition you may have, talk to your doctor. If you’re interested in trying a particular drug from an advertisement, talk to your doctor. If you start obsessing over your health, talk to your doctor.
Genuinely feel as if you’re doctor isn’t helping? Find a new doctor.
Good luck on your journey to becoming more involved patients!
The image used is owned by Christopher Walker and is being used on the Creative Commons license.