Congressman Nadler has a good idea:
Meanwhile, Representative Jerrold Nadler, Democrat of New York, has introduced a bill called the Say No to Drug Ads Act. It would amend the federal tax code to prevent pharmaceutical companies from deducting the cost of direct-to-consumer drug advertisements as a business expense.
“You should not be going to a doctor saying, ‘I have restless leg syndrome’ — whatever the hell that is — or going to a doctor saying, ‘I have the mumps,’ ” Mr. Nadler said in an interview. “You should not be diagnosed by some pitchman on TV who doesn’t know you whatsoever.”
Yes, the drug companies get a tax break for advertising their drugs on television. Yes, in effect, you are helping to subsidize the commercial with the boner couple in bathtubs on a cliff. And no, Congress isn't planning to outright ban the commercials.
Dday points out:
Fun fact in the article: only the United States and New Zealand allow direct-to-consumer drug advertisements.