- Question
Should there be advertisements for prescription drugs?
Prescription drug adverts are everywhere; from our television screens to celebrity promotions, the brand names of everything from anti-depressants to IBS medications have now become generic. Is this to the benefit of the consumer or to the pharmaceutical industry?
Position 1 of 2
Read this position →No, there should not be advertisements for prescription drugs
This position holds that prescription drugs should not be advertised. It argues that such ads encourage people to distrust their doctor's judgement and to self-diagnose and self-treat, and that promoting drugs through the media dangerously trivialises their potential for harm.
Position 2 of 2
Read this position →Yes, there should be advertisements for prescription drugs
The range of available medications in the world continues to grow exponentially and even doctors aren't able to keep up with all of them. DTC helps consumers understand their options