Direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing in the pharmaceutical sector has become increasingly prevalent in the last few decades, particularly in countries like the United States where it is allowed. You might see these advertisements on TV, radio, or online, urging you to “ask your doctor” about a particular medication. DTC advertising in the pharma world has advantages and drawbacks, like any form of marketing. Here’s a closer look.

I could argue strongly that patients have changed how they make healthcare treatment decisions based on what happened over the last three years. Research found that 61 percent of participants trusted the pharmaceutical sector, but despite this increase, the pharma sector is the least trusted subsector of healthcare. The question then becomes, “do people trust DTC marketing?”.

According to Vox, “most consumers in the United States know the names of a litany of pharmaceuticals they’ll never come into contact with or need, thanks to the commercials that fill our airwaves day in and day out. Drugmakers spend some $6 billion on direct-to-consumer advertising each year. The ultimate goal is for some people to visit the doctor and ask about them.” But the number of people is getting smaller.