Should drug companies be allowed to run ‘awareness’ ads for conditions their drugs treat? We asked 5 experts
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Unlike in the United States and New Zealand, it’s illegal in Australia to advertise prescription medicines directly to the public.
The main idea is to avoid demand for a drug that may not be appropriate, but which doctors may feel under pressure to prescribe.
But drug companies can get around this restriction by running “awareness” ads that indirectly promote their products.
For instance, we’re currently seeing ads raising awareness about weight loss that don’t mention the names of specific Ozempic-style drugs. Instead, these ads recommend you speak to your doctor about your weight.
The main idea is to avoid demand for a drug that may not be appropriate, but which doctors may feel under pressure to prescribe.
But drug companies can get around this restriction by running “awareness” ads that indirectly promote their products.
Anna Shvets/Pexels
For instance, we’re currently seeing ads raising awareness about weight loss that don’t mention the names of specific Ozempic-style drugs. Instead, these ads recommend you speak to your doctor about your weight.
