How many of us have watched an ad, then asked our doctor for a drug? How many of us have picked up drugs at the store and wondered why they cost so much?
In years past, Congress has made it illegal to advertise tobacco and spirits. Because they can kill people.
Listen to the ads. They say "don't take this if you are allergic to it." How would you know? Then they go on to say the drug may cause heart issues, lung issues, bowel issues, seizures, the heartbreak of psoriasis, bloating, excessive gas, hives, stinky feet and death. Don't take it if you are pregnant.
So, why can they advertise something that can kill you? Why should drug prices have the high cost of advertising baked in? Why should I have to ask my doctor? Are they ignorant? By implication they are.
Let's leverage precedent. There are some things that should not be advertised. Certainly new and risky drugs are one.
Can Congress agree to stop stupid spending on ads that make us pay more for effective new drugs? Probably not. Why, because the drug companies are big donors. That's why. Lobbyists. And reelection campaigns.
I have an idea. Maybe, just maybe, if there were term limits and PACs were illegal, Congress would stop us from having to watch ads we pay for when we are sick. Or maybe the career politicians will wake up one day and ask, "how can I know if I'm allergic?
Part of my platform is to stop the spam. Drug ads are spam. Ask your doctor. I bet they agree.
By Don Louis · Published 2026-08-18