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November 21, 2008 10:26:39 PM CST

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Study: Drug Ads Misleading. No, Really.

Posted May 18, 08 12:18 PM CDT in Arts & Living,  Science & Health 

(Newser) – Drug ads are multiplying on TV, and manufacturers are starting to advertise medical equipment used in invasive procedures, so now might be a good time to wonder what the spots are telling us. Not as much as they should, Time reports. An independent researcher has found drug companies are using distractions, fast-talking, and tricks gleaned from neuroscience to downplay negative side-effects.

According to a government study, every $1,000 big pharma spends on ads buys 24 new prescriptions, and almost $5 billion is spent annually. If they work wonders, it may be because side-effects, which must be discussed by FDA mandate, are often sequestered somewhere after the middle, but not at the end of the ad, where they are most likely to be forgotten.

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Shelves of prescription drugs.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Bottles of prescription medication.   (AP Photo/Mel Evans, file)
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advertising • FDA • consumer • prescription drugs • drug companies • side effects • TV advertising


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