In the US, we can advertise pharmaceutical products directly to patients. This gives patients a great deal of information, so when they go see their healthcare professionals for diagnosis and treatment of their respective conditions, they are well-armed with complete and up-to-date data.

Some folks feel that patients shouldn’t have access to all this information, because they often end up asking for medications that may not be appropriate for them. Doctors may feel undue pressure to prescribe these products so they don’t lose possible customers. This could mean inappropriate treatment for patients, and help jack up costs for the entire healthcare industry.

Should the pharmaceutical industry advertise to patients, or should their advertising be solely focused on healthcare professionals who have better knowledge of physiology and pharmacology?