You can’t escape advertising for products and services related to your health, especially prescription drugs and supplements. When you watch TV, listen to the radio, surf the internet or scroll your social media channels, you will inevitably see or hear a health-related ad. You have probably also received more intrusive ads, like unsolicited emails, text messages and robocalls.
Some health care advertising is completely legitimate, such as a public service announcement reminding us it’s time to get our annual flu shot. Many ads you see are for prescription drugs approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
Other advertising may be less credible – ads for supplements or services designed to reverse aging or miraculously cure some condition or another should be treated with a healthy dose of skepticism.
“The doctors of Privia Medical Group North Texas (PMGNTX) want you to have the information you need to make good decisions about your health,” says Dr. Olga Cortez, an OB/GYN in Crossroads, near Denton. “If you are curious about a product you saw advertised and wonder if it’s right for you, please talk to your physician about it first. When it comes to many dietary supplements, you can end up wasting your money on something you really don’t need and won’t do you any good. Worse, some of them may be harmful to your health.”
Here’s a look at some of the common types of services and products you may see ads for and some tips for how to evaluate them.
Big Business: Prescription Drug Advertising
We’ve all seen ads online and on TV for prescription drugs. Drug companies spend billions of dollars every year to advertise prescription medications. Most of these drugs are specific to various conditions, like a certain type of cancer or heart disease. Others may be relevant to a larger share of the population – one of the best examples of this is the class of weight loss drugs known as GLP-1s.
GLP-1 advertising has exploded in the last three years. Originally developed as a medication to help people with diabetes, GLP-1 medications were subsequently approved as a weight-loss drug by the FDA.
So how can you tell if an ad you see is for a legitimate prescription drug or a supplement that has not gone through the same rigorous testing and approval process? One easy way to tell is to listen for a list of side effects. FDA regulations require drug companies to clearly state possible side effects in their advertising.
“To the extent that drug advertising prompts new conversations between patients and doctors, that’s a good thing,” says Dr. Cortez. “There is no doubt that a lot of patients who have benefitted from GLP-1s first became aware of the treatment through advertising and proactively approached their physician about it.”
At the same time, it’s important to recognize that not every medication is appropriate for every patient. Your doctor may advise you that the side effects outweigh the benefit of the drug or that an alternative medication or treatment does just as good or better at treating the condition.
“Additionally, newer drugs that have heavy advertising behind them may be more expensive for the patient, even with insurance,” explains Dr. Jamie Erwin, an OB/GYN in Fort Worth. “We work to be mindful of the out-of-pocket cost to our patients and not prescribe something expensive if a more affordable option will do just as good a job.”
Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications have less stringent requirements for advertising. While the medications themselves have been tested and approved by the FDA, the ads are not.
A general rule on OTC medications is that if you need to use one for temporary relief of symptoms, go ahead. Just be sure to read the directions and any warnings on the package. You don’t want to take too much, and you want to know in advance of any potential side effects, like drowsiness or nausea.
Many drugs that were once available by prescription only are now available over the counter. Known as an “Rx-to-OTC switch,” these products are often the subject of heavy advertising by the manufacturer.
An Rx-to-OTC switch is great for consumers in terms of convenience and cost. Commonly used examples of this include allergy nasal sprays and certain heartburn medications. Since these are medicines that are typically taken on an ongoing basis, it’s a good idea to talk to your physician first before starting one.
The Low-Down on Dietary Supplements
A dietary supplement can be a vitamin, mineral or herb. Some supplements may be beneficial for some people. Others should never be taken by anyone. That’s why it’s important to first check with your doctor before starting any supplement regimen.
The first thing to know about supplements is – unlike prescription and over-the-counter medications – they are not subject to FDA evaluation and approval. Many people are surprised to learn this – a 2022 Consumer Reports survey found that one-third of Americans believed supplements were safety-tested by the FDA. They are not.
So what is the consumer to do, with hundreds of supplements being marketed constantly – how do you know what is safe and beneficial, and what is not?
“We recommend our patients discuss supplements with us before using them,” stresses Dr. Erwin. “Some may help you, others may not help at all and still others could have a negative impact on your health. We can help you sort through the confusion around supplements.”
If you decide to use a dietary supplement, look for a U.S. Pharmacopia (USP) seal on the packaging. While it’s not the same as FDA approval, USP does verify the ingredients listed on the packaging are accurate.
Supplements that May be Beneficial
In consultation with your physician, you may opt to take a dietary supplement. Here are some of the more common ones your physician may recommend:
Calcium
Calcium is a mineral that helps us build strong bones. As we age, we tend to get less calcium and the body absorbs it less easily. A calcium supplement may be recommended for older adults as a way to prevent or treat osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become more brittle. Women are more likely to be affected by osteoporosis.
Vitamin D
People who take calcium for bone health often also take Vitamin D supplements – that’s because Vitamin D helps the body better absorb calcium. Vitamin D also supports the immune system and may help guard against Type 2 diabetes.
Fiber
Fiber has many health benefits, one of which is aiding the digestive process. The best way to get sufficient fiber intake is through a balanced diet – fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans are all excellent sources of fiber. For people who don’t get enough fiber this way, a daily fiber supplement may be an option.
Fish Oil
Fish oil capsules contain omega-3 fatty acids, which may help lower the risk of heart disease. Specifically, they have been shown to reduce triglycerides in the blood. This could be beneficial for people with high triglyceride levels and/or do not eat fish on a regular basis.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays a role in regulating blood pressure and blood sugar and supports nerve and muscle function. Many of us do not get enough magnesium through food, therefore a supplement may make sense for some.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 helps support the nervous system and formation of red blood cells. Some older adults may benefit from a vitamin B12 supplement.
Zinc & Vitamin C for the Common Cold?
Vitamin C and Zinc are both important allies for our immune system. Fortunately, most of us get enough of both through our diets, making supplements unnecessary.
“Our bodies have a limit of how much of a vitamin and mineral they can absorb at one time,” explains Dr. Jacqueline Garda, a Fort Worth OB/GYN. “So, just because Vitamin C is good for us doesn’t mean extra Vitamin C is even better – taking too much of it doesn’t accomplish anything.”
Is it true you can prevent a cold by taking Vitamin C and Zinc supplements? Unfortunately, there is no evidence to support that theory.
There is some slight evidence to suggest that taking Vitamin C and Zinc during a cold may help shave a day or two off the duration of the illness. The downside is that too much of either supplement can cause nausea and gut discomfort.
Cutting Through the Supplement Hype
When it comes to supplements, ask yourself: “Is it too good to be true?” Promises of miracle cures and age-reversal are almost guaranteed to be too good to be true. Not only will you end up wasting money, but you may well be putting something in your body that is harmful.
Here are some warning signs:
- Celebrity endorsements: It’s not unusual to see a long-retired TV star, athlete or musician promoting supplements. Remember, they’re getting paid for their endorsement.
- The ad uses important-sounding, quasi-scientific phrases that really make no sense.
- “Natural ingredients:” This term has no defined meaning in the United States, therefore it doesn’t mean anything.
- Beware of ads touting unnamed “clinical studies.” A study is only as good as the methodology used and the scientists behind it. Not all clinical studies are created equal.
- Be wary of “exclusive offers.” Sometimes the ad says you can only get the product by calling or texting a number, because they claim the product is not available to the general public. This is a scam so they can market to you directly.
Supplements to Avoid
Here are some categories of heavily advertised supplements that no one should buy or use, because there is no evidence they will help you. In some cases though, there is evidence they will harm you:
Brain Health
Supplements claiming to improve your memory and brain health have no basis in truth. Don’t buy them.
Liver Cleanses
Claims that a supplement will help your liver “recover” from wear and tear have no factual basis. Worse, this type of advertising implies you can damage your liver through excessive alcohol use or an unhealthy diet and then simply repair it with a supplement.
Prostate Health
Numerous products are marketed for “prostate health.” Don’t use them. For men who have an enlarged prostate (BPH) – a common condition over age 50 – there are safe and effective medications your physician can prescribe.
Joint Health
Lots of people have pain or stiffness in their joints as they age. It’s normal, but there are also things your primary care physician or an orthopedic doctor can do to bring you relief. Supplements may promise “miraculous” and “immediate” pain relief – but there is no data to back up these claims.
“These are just a few examples of some of the common types of supplements that are marketed on TV, radio and online,” says Dr. Garda. “Remember, not only is there no real evidence they work as advertised, but they may contain unknown and unsafe ingredients.”
Research – and Talk to Your Doctor
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the amount of advertising we’re bombarded with for health products. If something gets your attention, take some time to do some research first – as our September article explains, there are several reliable information sources online to research and get basic information.
The bottom line is, there is no substitute for talking with your doctor – he or she can discuss the pros and cons of a new medication or supplement with you and let you know if there are better alternatives.
