Introduction
The high level of competition and diversity in the modern world has resulted to almost all commodities being highly publicized. In the past, knowledge about prescription drugs was only possible in medical literatures like in medical books, journals or in hospital.
Advertisement of prescription drugs was rare with the only form of advertisement being placards placed inside the various health centers. However, the world has become more capitalistic in nature, competition has affected all areas of the society and the medical field has not been spared either. The advertisement of prescription drugs has had both essential benefits and potential risks (Sheehan, 2011).
First, the media industry has revolutionized with the masses mainly relying on the mass media for whatever sort of news. The media has been highly regarded and trusted to provide authentic, well-researched, and detailed news. The manufacturers of prescription drugs have taken this advantage to advertise their merchandise.
The high level of advertisement has popularized these drugs and the public have become to regard them as any other drugs. The purchase of the prescription drugs has increased with people buying them like the normal over-the-counter drugs (Thompson, 2009).
Problems of prescription drugs being advertised
The purchase of prescription drugs has thus been abused. These drugs are restricted by legislation and requires the authorization of a qualified personnel especially a medical practitioner. Their advertisement has made people to overlook this requirement and the usage of these drugs has gone up of which this type of usage is usually not authorized (Schneider, 2011).
People are thus exposed to dangers posed by these drugs; some diseases have been reported to be persistent since the dosage taken is not in the right manner. As a result the treatment of certain ailments have been jeopardized since people are no longer seeking the advice of medical practitioners rather they are buying what they think is the right treatment drugs over the counter (Wexler, 2007).
Unlawful business enterprises have taken advantage of this situation to produce counterfeit drugs, which are then finding their ways into the market. This has put the public health at risk. In several instances, buying prescription drugs without the approval of the relevant authority has resulted to overdose or drug misuse. As a result, several individuals have been overwhelmed by the overdose poisoning some even losing their lives.
Benefits of prescription drugs being advertised
On the other hand, the advertisement of prescription drugs has made the public to be aware of the various cures for various diverse ailments. People are able to visit a doctor for further information and directives (Goldberg & Easton, 2006). Visiting the doctor has facilitated regular medical check up on individuals.
The health status of the society has thus been boosted, since the advertisements categorically insist the need to seek medical advice. The advertisement of prescription drugs also enables the public to know which drugs need the consultancy of a medical practitioner as stated by the advertisement.
In the contemporary modern world, the pharmacy industry has been flooded with unqualified people posing as pharmacists. Once a person goes to seek advice from them, they sell to the individual the prescription drugs yet they have no qualification to do so. Advertisement of these drugs enables the public to distinguish the over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs and they are thus able to discern when unauthorized drugs are being sold to them (Edlin & Golantry, 2010).
Reference List
Edlin, G., and Golantry, E. (2010). Health and Wellness. Sudbury: Jones and Bartlett publishers
Goldberg, R., and Easton, T. (2006). Taking Sides: clashing views on controversial issues in drugs and society. New York: Dushkin Publishers.
Schneider, M. (2011). Introduction to public health. Sudbury: Jones and Bartlett publishers
Sheehan, K. (2004). Controversies in contemporary advertising. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications
Thompson, PDR. (2009) PDR pocket guide to prescription drugs, 9th Edition. New York: Simon & Shuster
Wexler, B. (2007). The Health Care System. New York: Thomson Gale