Healthy Skepticism Library item: 8312

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

Tanne JH.
US television drug advertisements paint a "black and white scenario"
BMJ 2007 Feb 10; 334:(7588):279
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/334/7588/279-a

Abstract:

An analysis of drug advertising on US television for four consecutive weeks in 2004 showed that one of the most powerful messages used by advertisers to sell their products was the idea that taking a prescription drug gives you back control over your life.

US television viewers see as many as 16 hours of advertising for prescription drugs a year, much more time than spent seeing public health messages or with their primary care doctors, said lead author Dominick Frosch, assistant professor of medicine at the University of California in Los Angeles (Annals of Family Medicine 2007;5:6-13).

The investigators reviewed television advertisements for prescription drugs broadcast in the evening news hour and in the prime time viewing hours of 8 to 11 pm on the four main US channels (American Broadcasting Company, CBS, NBC, and Fox) for four consecutive weeks from 30 June to 27 July 2004.

“The advertisements . . .