| Allow drug firms to advertise their products |
|
|
|
The Straits Times, May 10, 2008
PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE- Allow drug firms to advertise their products These countries, Singapore included, argue that such ads could turn perfectly healthy people into hypochondriacs, seeing medical symptoms where there are none. They fear advertisements could push up health-care costs, as people deluded by sales pitches start demanding medicines of their doctors. Drug companies that advertise would also need to pass on the cost of running the ads to consumers, further raising the price of drugs. What is more frightening is the inappropriate use of medicines. Doctors might feel compelled to give in to patients who insist on getting a certain drug, regardless of whether the patients need it or not. This is especially so if the doctor stands to gain from the transaction. Knowledge about medicines best resides in doctors, who can give patients the benefit of their experience and advice, and not in ads, naysayers say. But proponents of advertisements - mainly the drug companies that will gain from higher sales - counter that many people today are not getting the treatments that could help them enjoy a healthier life. Many do not even know there is a cure for their problems or realise that their pain or suffering can be alleviated. Advertisements, they say, raise awareness of diseases, get people to seek treatment for their problems and empower them to take their health into their own hands. So far, the health authorities in most countries are not convinced. But now would be a good time for Singapore to reconsider this issue, for the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is in the midst of discussions with the Singapore Association of Pharmaceutical Industries on the types of publicity to be allowed. Four years ago, Singapore relaxed its policy somewhat to allow drug companies to run educational campaigns. But it recently rescinded this permission because some drug companies had pushed the OB markers, with advertisements thinly disguised as educational materials. Yet the examples the authorities cited did not appear to have done much, if any, harm. One promoting cervical cancer prevention might have raised fear among women, but if it pushed them to visit a doctor, then it succeeded. Doctors representing disease associations say that such ads help patients understand their problems and should be allowed to continue. The ads may have broken the letter of the law, but their effect was to get people to speak to their doctors about a medical problem. The HSA said it is not against drug companies providing information. But it wants to review the situation and govern with a light touch. Instead of reining in the drug companies totally, it might want to consider giving them some leeway. Let them advertise - but with some restrictions. The Internet has changed the world we live in, with a flood of information available on any given topic. However, not everything found on the Internet is true. While the regulatory authorities police drug companies in the real world, there is little control over what drug companies, doctors or individuals are allowed to say on their websites, blogs or in chatrooms. Would it not be better to have ads in the mainstream media that at least give the truth about various medicines and illnesses? Governments can set rules on what must or cannot be said in these ads. For example, the authorities could insist that side effects of drugs must not only be stated, but also not be hidden away in tiny print that readers would need a magnifying glass to read. They could also insist that all advertisements mention if the drugs in question are part of a class of drugs for which generics are available. To prevent overuse of very new drugs, the authorities could also insist that a medication has to be on the market for some time before advertisements are allowed. This would give doctors time to get to know more about these drugs. Also, little-known side effects could surface before the drug is popularised. The authorities could also list medicines that cannot be advertised - because of the high risk of such drugs to patients. But fear that ads might push up drug costs should not be a reason for opposing ads, especially if the side effects of such drugs are minimal and the benefits of advertising considerable. After all, people spend money lavishly on cosmetic treatments, holidays and other non-essentials. Would it not be better if they were to use their income to keep themselves healthy instead? There are also medicines that can prevent diseases or illnesses, such as vaccines. They may not wholly give value for money, but if people are willing to pay for the protection, why deny them that right? Some have pointed out that many elderly people take medicine against osteoporosis that they may not need. And that a small number end up with ulcers from the medicine - something that could have been prevented if they had refrained from taking the medicine. But as long as they are aware of the side effects - and this information should be given both in the ad promoting the medicine as well as by the doctor prescribing it - there is really no reason to stop them from taking it. The side effects can be controlled. And the benefits are real: more solid bones. Anti-osteoporosis drugs do do some good, by cutting down the number of fractures older people suffer when their bones become too porous. If there were more than one branded drug in a class, competing brands would likely advertise - so people would know that there are alternatives. Patients might then seek their doctors' advice on which is better for them. What about people spending more money on branded drugs, rather than depending on cheaper generics? Perhaps this is where the authorities could come in - with ads of their own explaining the advantages of generics, and leaving people to decide which they prefer. More, rather than less, information is always good. Let people be aware of various illnesses for which there are cures. Let them then do more research into their problems. And let them decide for themselves if they have a problem that could be treated.
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
Comments (1)
 Write comment
You must be logged in to a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet.
|
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|