How Prescription Drugs Are Introduced

I am now of the firm belief that only unhealthy people or hypochondriacs watch television – other than me!
Or, I just happen to watch the same programs that people with various random health issues are watching. Over the last week, the number of prescription drug commercials on the shows I was watching became overwhelming.
HMA Public Relations has participated in a number of pharmaceutical drug introductions over the years.  One of the strategies then – and now – is to create a demand for the supply.  Sort of a backwards free enterprise economic model, but an effective way to introduce prescription drugs to mass audiences.
Without breaking any HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) laws, I have seen ads for the following ailments:

Pharmaceutical Ads on TV

• Xeljanz – for rheumatoid arthritis
• Jardiance – for diabetes
• Trintellix – for depression
• Chantix – for nicotine withdrawals
• Cialis – for erectile disfunction
• Rexulti – for depression
• Enbrel – for rheumatoid arthritis
• Kyleena – for birth control
• Trulicity – for diabetes
• Otezla – for psoriasis
• Vraylar – for bipolar disorder
• Linzess – for constipation
• Victoza – for diabetes

I don’t know if I’m really the target demographic or if the research is off-base as to who is actually tuning in to those programs, but it might be time for me to make an appointment with the doctor!