Why do pharmaceutical companies spend so much money on "freebies"?

Question

I can understand the need for companies to have reps that go out and give prescribing info. and patient counseling info. to medical professionals...

but why do the pharmaceutical companies spend so much money putting their drug or company names on various items and giving them out like there is no tomorrow? My mom has been a pharmacy tech. for 30 years so we have gotten all kinds of drug "paraphernelia" over the years....coffee cups, clocks, t-shirts, coolers, drink cozies, post-its, magnets, stress balls, tote bags, frisbees, and pens (we NEVER have to buy pens at our house).

Ridiculous, no?

Answer 1

http://www.nofreelunch.org/

I work in a medical school, and certain departments have lunches every week provided by drug reps.  There is considerable evidence that these promo's influence doctor's prescribing habits, even though they deny it.

More that 70% of pharmaceutical company operating expense is for marketing.  40 years ago, it was for research.  It's a big reason why drugs are so expensive.

DK

Answer 2

marketing has been proven to work i guess. prescriptions have strange names so if you are reading it off your pen or every time you look at the clock, you'll remember their drug.

very rediculous though.

Answer 3

Tax write-offs!!! (while still getting some type of advertising)

Answer 4

Why do beer companies buy ads for football games on TV? It WORKS.

The mugs and pens do alter prescribing practices, even in doctors who swear they aren't swayed by the advertising. That's been shown over and again in multiple studies. And what's better than giving a few days' free samples for a drug used to treat a chronic illness, when there are years of huge profits in the immediate future?