Breaking Down the Positive and Negative Aspects of Direct-to-Consumer Advertising

Here are some suggestions from Dr. Applequist on how to respond to patients when they ask about an advertised product.

• “I’m happy to consider any options you want, but not without first taking a deep dive to make sure that any medications work well with your body.”
• “Ads can be great. Personally, I’ve purchased things after seeing an ad. But only so much information can fit into one advertisement. Did you take the time to visit the manufacturer’s website to read the fine print on this drug?”
• “I’d also like to point out that sometimes the newest and most expensive prescription drugs are the ones being advertised. Before we decide anything, it’s important to find out how much the drug will cost you. Did you notice that the ad didn’t provide you with that information? That is a common advertising tactic.”
• “There may be baby steps we can take first before I need to prescribe something for you. I’d like for you to consider trying some lifestyle treatment alternatives.”