Is this Essentially an Ad By Pfizer Promoting Chantix?

Question

Is this Underhanded?

The Site:

http://www.mytimetoquit.com/content/index.jsp?setShowOn=../content/index.jsp&setShowHighlightOn=../content/index.jsp

Answer 1

Seems so to me.   But the site also has sound information that could help smokers to quit.   Any reader could benefit from that, and make their own decision about the medication with the help of their doctor.   Surely anyone would be foolish not to refer any medication to their GP?  Citizens of USA, under its deplorable health system, might be excused, of course - but whether it's Government or commerce we get what we consent to.

Answer 2

As long as we don't demand tougher  DTC (Direct-to consumer advertising) ruling, there will be companies like Pfizer which mislead consumers into trusting their "concern" for us is none other than greed for a larger profit margin, through the so called "infomercials".

Funny thing is, after utilizing so many resources on making us fall for an "infomercial" they seem to have left out  that a drug that presents a risk for hundreds of people to die instantly of a self-inflicted death should be utilized as a last resort.

Where does this apply, then?

Member governments are urged, ”to enact new, or enforce existing, legislation to ban inaccurate, misleading or unethical promotion of medicines, to monitor drug promotion, and to develop and implement programs that will provide independent, non-promotional information on medicines.”

Resolution Rational Use of Medicines (WHA 60.16)

Adopted by the 60th World Health Assembly

May 2007

Answer 3

I would have to agree it's underhanded, as the only method suggested to stop smoking is Chantix.  Nowhere on the site do they mantion the nicotine patch, zyban, or any other options.

Answer 4

Yes, it's an ad, and it's no more underhanded than any other ad. Despite arguments to the contrary, advertising isn't supposed to be public service announcements. It's designed to sell stuff. Everybody should be aware of that.