The U.S. is one of only 2 countries to allow pharma companies to market directly to consumers (the other, New Zealand). “The Pharmaceutical industry is one of the biggest spenders in advertising in the United States, says Jacob Bell of Biopharma Dive. No medium benefits more than TV. “187 commercials for about 70 prescription medications have collectively aired almost half a million times since the start of 2018. And to do that, drug companies shelled out $2.8 billion”, according to marketing analytics provider iSpot.tv.
Keep it coming baby!
TV is custom made for a product that juxtaposes scene’s of serenity with a narrator who needs to spend 3 minutes reciting a litany of horrific side affects (as required by regulators). People are too distracted by the images of all the lovely people to care. Take for example this hypothetical copy for a new drug, Blazandra:
Introducing Blazandra… the antidepressant, back and head ache alleviating, high blood pressure lowering, smoking cessation, erectile dysfunction, acid reflux, psoriasis and balding cure! Available by prescription only. Side effects include Headache, constipation, diarrhea, blurred vision, agitation, confusion, growing an insect-like exoskeleton, depression, hallucinations, spontaneous combustion, easy bleeding/bruising, enlarged toes, heart attack, stroke, swollen saliva glands, acne, goose bumps, severe tiredness, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, vampirism, sore throat, fever, chills, loose finger nails, severe stomach/abdominal pain, turning into a jelly fish, dark urine, cannibalism, yellowing skin/eyes, blue hair, red nose, rotten teeth, difficulty breathing sleeping or eating, excruciating pain going to the bathroom. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is common such as rash that becomes an open sore, bleeding from the eyes, nose and mouth, sneezing uncontrollably, heavy mucus build up, swollen wind pipe, swollen tongue, Anaphylaxis shock or other serious threat to basic life support functions. Most likely you will need medical assistance immediately upon taking Blazandra. Do not use this product with any other drug as its Interactions have not been well documented. Do not use Blazandra while working, walking, driving, operating any equipment or machinery as it has been shown to render people unconscious with little memory of their experience. Stay in a padded room and be sure to have a friend restrain you as documented cases have shown Blazandra patients to do serious physical harm to themselves or others. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately!
You see how much more ineffective it would be with only the sound and not the site, motion and emotion part ?!
