Healthy Skepticism Library item: 4668

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Ariano RE, Zelenitsky SA.
Ketorolac (Toradol): a marketing phenomenon.
CMAJ 1993 May 15; 148:(10):1686-8

Abstract:

The marketing for ketoroloc (Toradol) has emphasized its use as an analgesic, comparing it favourably to narcotics in terms of efficacy but without the side effect profile of narcotics. Advertising has downplayed or ignored the fact that it is also an anti-inflammatory medication, thereby making the drug seem as if it is an agent in a class of its own. Because of the marketing there is a potential that ketorolac’s NSAID nature is not recognized leading to inappropriate use. Narcotic analgesics and other NSAIDs are much less expensive than ketorolac. There is no justification for using oral ketorolac over other less costly NSAIDs.

Keywords:
*editorial/Canada/ketorolac/Toradol/NSAID/ nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/ quality of information/ journal advertisements/ safety & risk information/EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: DRUG SAFETY/EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: JOURNAL ADVERTISEMENTS

Notes:

Accompanies editorial by: Bruce P. Squires, Canadian Medical Association Journal 1993;148:1663.
Accompanies article by: William Spickler, Canadian Medical Association Journal 1993;148:1693-1695.