American TV ads for NOACs.

[jennydog]

Whilst in the USA 2 weeks ago I watched several news channels including CNN and was amazed at how much medical advertising there was. In particular I saw at least 6 advertisements for the new anticoagulants Xarelto and Eliquis.

One advertisement featured an aged Arnold Palmer and a group of men on a golf course saying something along the lines of "We don't let AFib spoil our fun, we take Xarelto. See your doctor about taking Xarelto. Don't let AFib spoil your life."

It was always refered to as AFib and they seemed to take it for granted that everyone knew what they were talking about. I didn't see any references to actually controlling arrhythmias although there were other advertisements about cancer treatments.

[Mrspat]

I can only say that I am glad we have nothing like that here. Not sure whether it isn't allowed or whether the fact that most medications are dispensed via NHS makes advertising fairly pointless.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Mrspat]

got it in one Pat. There may well be an equal number of solicitors touting for business for those unfortunates who lost relatives from wrongly prescribed NOACs.

[Mrspat]

The Gov.uk website makes it clear that advertising medications that are available by prescription only isn't allowed. Personally, I wouldn't feel qualified to decide between the merits of, say, Apixaban and Rivaroxaban. It isn't the same as choosing between brands of cars or toothpaste. Using celebrities to promote medications is especially despicable I think. Is taking a particular brand of anticoagulant going to turn you into a champion golfer? I don't think so.

My experience with my GP this morning does NOT suggest to me that they all want to push pills at the drop of a hat just because there is a financial incentive to do so.

[AnticoagulateNow in reply to Mrspat]

I'm not so sure about that. My handicap has certainly come down since starting Apixaban. And the catch on my golfing umbrella which always used to stick when I was on warfarin, works perfectly now.

[Mrspat in reply to AnticoagulateNow]

hahaha!

[jan-ran in reply to AnticoagulateNow]

hahahahahaha thanks for giggle.

[Annekw]

I think USA have always been encouraged to take an interest in there own health as it is never been handed out freely in the states!

Perhaps this is a good idea,we tend to take an interest In UK when something goes wrong!

The same happens with Dental Health!

[Peddling]

Similar thing in Germany, physicians and alternative meds. advertising their specialisms on TV.

[Spiritji]

Well I am from California and don't watch TV so have not seen this but may have to start because the idea of Arnold Palmer and old golfers sitting around talking about afib just seems off the charts hilarious to me

[Jason1971]

When I was in Vegas last year I too noticed the amount of medicines advertised on TV. Just goes to show "Different strokes for different folks" (No pun intended and certainly don't mean to offend). I agree with Annekw, I think the US are encouraged to take interest.

[BobD Volunteer]

In UK there are strict laws and code of practise regarding what pharma can do and what link they can have with patients and I think that correct. When I made a film for a drug company they were not allowed to pay me (other than travelling expenses etc ) but were permitted to make a donation to the charity of my choice.(AF-A of course). Europe AF in London is now closed to patients because two years ago a patient insisted on going into the trade exhibition which meant that drug companies were compromised. Fear of reprisals meant the threat of no sponsorship if patients were allowed in again.

These safeguards are important and heaven help us if we ever forget that and allow US style adverts.

This is not about taking an interest it is about avoiding influencing vulnerable people. We have all seen what happens ( e g magnesium) when somebody promises that our AF can be cured/ reduced/ improved. We don't want snake oil salesmen back do we?

OK off my soap box now.

Bob

[teach2learn in reply to BobD]

Being from/in US, I see those and other ads all the time,"ad nauseum" and realize it's the pharmaceutical companies doing their public version of the reps they send straight to the docs (only they also get free samples). No matter the effort to influence, we still have to go through the doc for an actual prescription, though, which hopefully includes the appropriate knowledge and screening before dispensing. Unlike OTC (over the counter) supplements like magnesium that can have an equal range of cautions to the uninformed. For that we have to watch Dr. Oz to get informed (jk)! Personally, I get my information from a good cross section of the internet--and this site, of course!

[Echinopsis in reply to BobD]

Bob,, I was thinking of trying megnesium citrate having seen the benefits on the posting about what life style chnges etc people have made and their benefits or not. Are you saying it is not to be tried for some reason.

[BobD Volunteer]

No but one should always discuss any supplement with your doctor as some can be quite dangerous for some people. I do worry about supplement evangelists who swear by their chosen chemical without balanced warnings hence my comment. I take a number of things but would never think of telling others what as it/they may be wrong for them.

Bob

[paulh1]

The ads are supposed to not only inform the consumer but create demand from the purchaser end. That being said,if you notice, half or more of the ad is usually devoted to side effects. Pretty sobering when you start seeing the list.

[jennydog in reply to paulh1]

Yes, I do remember that. I wasn't properly concentrating during one anticoagulant advert and I think that there was a warning that it should not be taken if you had a bad back.

There seemed to be more adverts than programmes. I will forever remember those for Neeeesan cars!

[jossikins]

In the US, everything is advertised. All you have to do is watch one TV programme and you will note that there is more time given to advertising than there is to the programme content. Because health is privatised in the US, it is BIG money in somebody's pocket, i.e. the drug manufacturer, so of course they are going to advertise it with the same energy as anything else that advertises. And they will use a known figure in the same manner that Parkie talks about insurance for funeral expenses!