Should Prescription Drugs Be Marketed Directly To The Public?

I don't think so! This morning, while having my coffee, I watched a little TV. It made me angry. I was bombarded by commercials for PRESCRIPTION medicines! I can't think of one good reason for this. My belief is that it encourages self-diagnosis, and self medication.

The US Congress passed a prescription drug bill in 2003 that dramatically expanded Medicaire.  Provisions of the bill also allowed renewing of patents when manufacturers make cosmetic changes to their pill or caplet, thus delaying the availability of less costly generics. The vote was taken in the early morning hours, after 1,000 lobbyists had been brought in. The pharmaceutical companies claim they need high prices to fund research  & development.

I'd be interested to see their advertising budgets.