In the last 2 years of finding DTC swag at psychiatrist offices and psych wards, and ads in magazines and on telephone booths, there is one pharmaceutical that has crossed over with new marketing target groups.
Abilify, once targeted for schizophrenia and psychosis, then a heavy marketing for bipolar women, now it's being pushed as an add-on to an existing anti depressant "for unresolved depression".
It's the way it is, package and re-package the same drug for more diagnoses, and the consumer has no idea it's a recycled medication that often needs a boost in sales or a last ditch grab before going generic.
Here are a few photos of Abilify ads I've taken over the last couple of years; the Seattle telephone booth ad 2007, the Rolling Stone 40th Anniversary issue ad for bipolar, and the Glamour magazine ad today for depression in a medical center waiting area.
You have to wonder what this is all about when you take these drugs. It's about a profit!
Abilify, once targeted for schizophrenia and psychosis, then a heavy marketing for bipolar women, now it's being pushed as an add-on to an existing anti depressant "for unresolved depression".
It's the way it is, package and re-package the same drug for more diagnoses, and the consumer has no idea it's a recycled medication that often needs a boost in sales or a last ditch grab before going generic.
Here are a few photos of Abilify ads I've taken over the last couple of years; the Seattle telephone booth ad 2007, the Rolling Stone 40th Anniversary issue ad for bipolar, and the Glamour magazine ad today for depression in a medical center waiting area.
You have to wonder what this is all about when you take these drugs. It's about a profit!
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4 comments:
Very impressive representation of the changes in target audience marketing! Great job!:)
I, too, am very concerned about this. I do not think everyone is aware of all of the info. (or the most recent info.) on Abilify. I am also very concerned about doctors not honoring "fully informed consent" in prescribing.
The misuse of the second generation atypical antipsychotic meds has already brought about a nightmare.
Should anyone take on these potentailly very severe, potentially disabling and possibly deadly risks for conditions like "insomnia?"
What about the recent notice of cases of "sudden death" with more of these meds, along with the now required warnings of sudden death warning in the medical prescribing literature?
What about the potential for irreversible akathisia and/or tardive dyskinesia (and other neurological conditions), even when these meds are used for short/brief periods?
The "original" claims made by the med manufacturers, claiming much more safety than the first generation AP meds, have been proven to not be much less than the truth over the years!
With the relatively recent increase in the number of second generation AAP meds showing a relationship to cases of sudden deaths, many doctors (psychopharmacologists) are now suggesting perhaps the older (first generation AAP meds) may actually be much safer for patients in need of AP meds. This is something to think about... and something for people to consider discussing with their own pdocs.
Thanks so very much, Stephany, for continuing to shed light upon topics of immense importance!
With Gratitude,
Hopeful heart
thank you hopeful heart, i like your input here very much! my readers surely benefit from your knowledge.
It is alarming that these drugs are rx'd so easily for things like insomnia or even social anxiety(seroquel)--the permanent damage possibility should scare people enough from using them unless severe cases of psychosis presents --my daughter's hearing voices isn't stopped at all from the antipsychotics and most of them made her agitated and aggressive or drugged up. clozaril that she is on now is so deadly, it causes me much worry that she will die young, and sadly these drugs DO shorten life span. ppl need to be careful. (to put it simple)
Hi Stephany!
You do a great job! I am happy to support your blogging efforts!
I can only hope the info. I share will be helpful to some of your readers.
I cannot comment enough on the misuses of the second generation AAP medications! These are not mild drugs, without the potential for severe adverse side-effects, some adverse effects may become permanent.
These meds may have a role, for some people with psychosis.
However, they should never be used for "insomnia" or "social anxiety!" They should never be used for anything less than psychosis.
I can only hope people heed this info. and look deeply into the real potential for the permanent neurological conditions often associated with use of these second generation AAP meds. These have the potential for the same rate of tardive dyskinesia as the first generation AP meds, despite the "hype" to the contrary!
Many of these meds now also have "sudden death" warnings on them.
I hope people will read the boxed warning on the prescribing info. for themselves. The FDA has forced this Black Box info. to contain more warnings than the initial warnings issued when the meds were first approved.
If your doctor is telling you something different than what these updated warning boxes indicate, please consider this very carefully. You might even wish to check with a pharmacist.
We each deserve to know the truth, as best the truth can be discerned.
We all deserve to know the truth in order to meet criteria for fully "informed consent" when agreeing to any form of treatment.
The FDA cannot force black box warnings without adequate reason to do so!
I fully realize there are times when some must agree to trials with these meds. I am only speaking out against the failure of fully "informed consent" and the many "misuses" of these meds.
I understand the appropriate use of these meds is a risk many must take. I am only sorry our society does not yet have much better options to offer.
I must correct an error I had left in my first post here. My paragraph above should read:
The original claims made by the manufacturers, claiming much more safety than the first generation AP meds, have been proven to be much less than the truth over the years.
I am very sorry for all we, and our loved ones, must try to cope with... in simply trying to secure adequate treatment/assistance. I write about the "newer" med warnings with deep sadness for all.
Stephany, I am deeply saddened that L. suffers without relief, despite using a very potent medication. I am sorry other medications have not helped her... and have harmed her.
I am deeply saddened for all needing to depend upon Pharma to help more than Pharma may harm. I realize the neurology is complex, yet it's very hard for me to believe/accept that Pharma (and the scientific community) has not been able to do better than this for those suffering so badly.
My heart goes out to all.
Most Sincerely,
Hopeful Heart
I've been at home quite a bit and therefore watching a lot of television, playing games online, avoiding life you could say. I can't count how many times I've seen the Abilify ad on television and it infuriates me every single time. It is so incredibly deceiving!!! I hope to see a ban on all pharma ADS very soon.
hope you are well and all my best to you! xoxo
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