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This study contradicts the general perception that direct advertising to consumers created higher, and at times, inappropriate demand for specific drugs.

That does not seem to be the case, although there are some who do ask for brand names—-patients who take three medications or females, for instance.

However, physicians are not reporting feeling pressured by patients to prescribe specific medications. That bodes well for medication costs in the future. Older patients take the most medicines so the total drug bill for seniors will be higher. This study, though, suggests patients are not influenced to ask for the most expensive brands.

Medpage Today

Source: Medpage Today

Citation Source: Annals of Family Medicine 7:41-46 (2009)