With drug commercials constantly urging people to ask physicians to prescribe their products, pharmacists with Parkland Health & Hospital System are encouraging patients to have an open conversation with their provider about whether a new medication would be an appropriate addition or substitution to their current medication regimens.In 2014, pharmaceutical companies spent $4.53 billion in direct-to-consumer advertising, according to Fierce Pharma Marketing. The number rose about 18 percent from the $3.83 billion industry spend in 2013.
“It can be overwhelming when it seems like every other commercial is about a medication that can improve your health,” said Nicole McNulty, PharmD, BCACP, Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at Parkland. “And when you’re suffering from a chronic illness, seeing advertisements that promise to reduce or eliminate your symptoms can really pique your interest. After all, everyone’s goal is to get healthy.”
Still, Dr. McNulty cautions that it’s important to be up front and honest with your doctor and pharmacist about the foods you are eating and what prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and supplements you are taking. Your provider can alert you about potential interactions you should avoid, because commonly used over-the-counter medications can turn dangerous or deadly when paired with the wrong food, drink or dietary supplement.
With the number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes climbing, diabetes-related marketing is growing as well. TV viewers are bombarded with ads about the latest injectable medications or prescriptions that can help lower a patient’s A1C, a common blood test used to help diagnose and manage type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The higher the A1C level, the poorer the blood sugar control and the higher the risk of diabetes complications.
The 2013 Horizons: Dallas County Community Health Needs Assessment, a report published by Dallas County Health and Human Services, New Solutions, Inc. and Parkland, found that diabetes affected 11.4 percent of Dallas County residents, a higher percentage than found in Texas (9.6 percent) and the U.S. (8 percent).
“With all the new diabetes-related medications being introduced to the market, it can be confusing for patients. Diabetes medications are divided into several groups and perform many different functions or tasks within our body,” said Ogechi Iwuorie, PharmD, Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Resident at Parkland. “Several types of insulins are available and your doctor will decide which insulins may be the best fit for you depending on the type of diabetes you have, how many meals you eat and how many injections you are able and willing to take.”
Many patients with diabetes may need to be on more than one medication to help reach their blood sugar goals, and sometimes medications need to be changed if blood sugar goals cannot be reached.
“Having new medications available to treat chronic diseases such as diabetes is important for this and future generations of patients,” Dr. Iwuorie said. “But making lifestyle changes in conjunction with your physician is also extremely important. And speaking with a nutritionist can be valuable as diet choices play a role in diabetes management.”
For more information about diabetes services available at Parkland, please visit www.parklandhospital.org
