"Advertising to consumers, who are not medically sophisticated enough to judge their need for these drugs vs. the risks, was another bad idea."
This is one of my favorite rants. Some dipstick who couldn't make it through high school Algebra I sees a TV commercial for "X" drug, and goes to his doc and wants THAT ONE. It happens all the time - my GP says he fights the "you don't need that" battle daily.
I wonder how many persons actually INSIST. You mean, they say "Doc, I saw this ad for 'Vitajex' energy tablets. Prescribe it for me or I'll go to another doctor!" Maybe. I don't do that, and I don't know anyone else who does. I see many such ads, and I often ask my doctor, "Hey, doc, what about this new drug I see advertised on TV?" And he then tells me his opinion. That's why I go to a doctor. To get an opinion.
my GP says he fights the "you don't need that" battle daily.
Good for him, and good for his patients. The notion that medical knowledge should only be in the hands of a special class of specially trained persons (i.e., physicians), who should not have to answer questions is silly.