Direct-to-consumer drug advertising

Introduction

Drugs are used to cure the patients, and the basic purposes of the drugs are to alter the chemical functions of the body, and to alter the systems to function in systematic way. Drugs are used for the treatment, heal, prevention, or judgment of disease or used to otherwise enhance physical or mental well-being of humans.

Direct-to-consumer drug advertising is a promotional tool used by the pharmaceutical industry to market their drugs directly to the consumer by using a variety of media forms. The uniqueness of DTCA of prescription pharmaceuticals may be attributable to the fact that it is directed to the consumer, who is not responsible for the final prescribing decision. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently recognize three types of DTCA.

Does the advertising lead to self-diagnosis or take advantage of someone's hope for a cure?

In real terms, the impact of drugs can be very dangerous if used self medicated. Prescription of drug through doctors is important as he may be able to tell the patients the required quantity and the formula to use it. If the patient is using drugs without prescription and on assumption basis, this might alter the related functions of the body which are also called side effects. Drugs usually contain a chemical that are to be used within a limited time and quantity. Access of any medication will show side effects in either negative of positive form. Most of the time negative consequences are seen.

Further to this, the self diagnosis may also be dangerous. Some diseases have same symptoms and indications that patients may get confuses of. The symptom of high fever does not only mean that the person is suffering from normal fever, this might be an indication of any other big disease within them. Therefore, consultation to doctor regarding taking any medication is important.

Adverting of various drugs like zinc supplements or calcium supplements may also pose a threat to person health. Taking too much of zinc may form a stones in the gall bladder in the long term. It has been noticed that teenagers and girls take zinc supplement to make their hairs and skin look healthier. Consumption at one point would be fine but, over eating may cause the malfunction of other enzymes in the body.

Further, advertising of cough and fever syrups can also pose a threat to the people in terms of self medication. As mentioned before, people ...