New Sales Pitch for Prescription Drugs?
From the Health Sciences Institute:
Now they're selling drugs to treat drug side effects...And what are the side effects of the new treatment that will then require another drug to treat them?
"Here's a new way to sell drugs.
"Interview" the quintessential Mom and Pop. They're a little past retirement age. They've been married forever. They complete each other's sentences. She's sassy. He's deferential. It's like a scene out of "When Harry Met Sally."
When they appear on your television screen they seem to be responding to an interviewer, but at the same time they seem to be speaking directly to you, as if you'd just stopped by for a friendly visit and asked how they were doing.
Glad you asked! It seems Mom has been taking over-the-counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control pain. But her doctor (who Pop describes as "a very smart man") is concerned that she might develop an ulcer from the NSAID use, so he prescribed Nexium to help prevent an ulcer.
In a typical drug commercial, this is where a voiceover would hurry us through a scary list of possible side effects. But that's not necessary for Mom and Pop; they casually run down the inventory of Nexium's side effects as part of their conversation. ("Oh, remember, your doctor also said it could cause stomach upset.")
But the casting and script aren't the only things that set this ad apart from other drug ads.
Drug commercials pitch products that treat health problems. What's most unusual about this pitch is that it's selling Nexium to prevent the possible side effects of another drug. I'm not certain but I think this may be a first in drug advertising.
Furthermore, this ad is also selling the IDEA that if you're taking a drug that poses unhealthy side effects (and what drug doesn't?) the healthy thing to do is to take an additional drug. Remember, Mom's doctor is "a very smart man."
If drug companies can convince enough people that treating drug side effects with drugs is a logical and reasonable thing to do, there will be no end to the medicating. Or the profits.
To Your Good Health,
Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute "
posted by Mrs.Cranky Yankee @ 9:21 PM
1 comments
1 Comments:
My name is Jon Star and i would like to show you my personal experience with Nexium.
I am 34 years old. Great medicine. I only hope that I don't become dependant on it. But as my esphogus heals then maybe I'll be able to take an OTC PPI if my symtoms re-occur and I catch them ASAP! Can't wait for a generic. BLUE CROSS of MA won't pay for Nexium unless I start on generic Prilosec, then Protonix, then if both of those failed, they would pay for Nexium. I hate BLUE CROSS! My Dr. was great in giving me 7 weeks of samples when he heard this and Aztra-Zeneca gave me a 7-day coupon I re-deemed at my local pharmacy(with a written 7-day script from my Dr.)
No major side effect. Sometimes a feeling of indigestion/bloated, possibly due to low or no stomach acid as a result of a PPI. So, I am sure to chew my food well and not to eat large portions. I have introduced foods/drinks back into my diet, that before taking Nexium would otherwise bring-on reflux symtoms. Fruit juices and citric acid containing drinks still are bothersome. But, I've eaten Pizza, and am able to drink coffee/tea, both decaf(not to excess though.) A little at a time. I do not drink any alcohol! I still limit any food intake 3 hours before bedtime and try to sleep on my left side. Nexium has given me the greatest relief as compared to all OTC H2 and OTC PPI's. I'm on week 5 of an 8 week treatment.
I hope this information will be useful to others,
Jon Star
Nexium Prescription Information
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