Pro's and con's of DTC branded pharmaceutical marketing

DTC branded pharmaceutical

DTC branded pharmaceutical marketing is the marketing of medical drugs to the final consumer instead of healthcare professional. There are many controversies to this as there are people who welcome this, defending their opinion by the increased level of awareness created in the consumers by DTCA. These are those who prefer the choice of prescribing drugs to trained healthcare professionals who have a better understanding and an in-depth knowledge of diseases and conditions. As with all good things, DTC branded pharmaceutical marketing has its share of advantages and disadvantages.

Direct to consumer advertising (DTC Advertising)

DTC advertising is a term which is referring the promotion of pharmaceutical products but can be relevant in other areas also. Unlike traditional medical advertising, this is aimed at the patient, instead of the healthcare professional. DTC advertising comprise of media like TV, print, radio and other mass media including social media (Murray Pp. 12 - 62).

DTC branded pharmaceutical marketing

DTC advertising is only permitted in two countries (as of 2008), the US and New Zealand with relations to branded pharmaceutical marketing. Expenditure in this area has almost quadrupled promoting consumers to demand specific brands of medicines. Controversy

The advertising of medical goods is banned to the consumer in more than 30 industrialized nations as there are some who think it is better that the decision of prescription be kept in the hands of medical professionals. On the contrary, there are some people who think that educating the consumer and encouraging participation in health is necessary, but for this, information which is provided needs to be independent, relative information about the medicines, and should not be promotional (Rosenthal, M. B. Pp. 12 - 20).

Governmental steps

To avoid improper information given to the consumers, many countries have placed strict limits on the ...