Call Kurtis: Sick of Prescription Drug Commercials? Doctors Are Too.

PLACERVILLE (CBS13) - Turn on the TV and you'll see prescription drug ads for everything from anti-depressants to pills to help your sex life. It's one thing to see the ads play over and over. It's another to hear all of those icky side effects.

Placerville viewer, Chris Jones wants them pulled. It turns out she's not the only one.

They're on "pretty much every commercial break," said Jones.

She's annoyed and thinks the commercials may convince people to ask for prescriptions they don't need.

"I'm sure doctors get asked all the time, 'What about this medication?' 'What about that medication?'" she said.

And according to doctors, she's right.

Dr. Arfan Din with Sutter Medical Group who specializes in family medicine backs her up.

"I get that fairly frequently, he said.

In fact, the American Medical Association wants prescription drug ads banned saying "They're driving people to ask for more expensive medicine when cheaper options may be available."

"I think those ads have created a lot of confusion," said Din.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America pushes back saying, "Research shows that accurate information about disease and treatment options makes patients and health care providers' better partners."

In fact, a 2012 survey found 75 percent surveyed (source: Prevention magazine) Thought these ads "Tell people about new treatments."
Http://catalyst.Phrma.Org/direct-to-consumer-advertising-makes-doctors-and-patients-stronger-partners#_ftnref1
In a similar 2004 Federal Drug Administration study, 77 percent of people agreed drug ads increase awareness of new drugs.
Http://www.Fda.Gov/downloads/drugs/scienceresearch/researchareas/drugmarketingadvertisingandcommunicationsresearch/ucm152860.Pdf
But Jones is not buying it, "It's something only a doctor should be able to advise you on."

She is fed up, she wants to turn on the TV and not see any more prescription ads.

"You can't get away from it," she said.

According to a researching firm, drug makers are now spending $4.5 billion on advertising.

The United States and New Zealand are the only two countries in the world that allow this type of advertising for prescription drugs.

The FDA says it keeps an eye on these ads to make sure they're not deceiving or misleading you.
Http://www.Fda.Gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm107170.Htm
They've also come up with a guide on what you should consider when you see these commercials.
Http://www.Fda.Gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/prescriptiondrugadvertising/default.Htm