Introduction
In the above photograph, are those pink M&M's? I didn't think M&M's came in pink. Do I see a brown M&M? Are those little blue pills SweeTARTS? I hope that those oblong, waxy-looking things aren't suppositories!
For months, I have contemplated an article that answers the question in the above title. Today, I decided to place my thoughts into written and audiovisual presentation.
Welcome to the 119th entry in the humor topic section, dear reader! Are you tired of the onslaught of prescription commercials on television and radio? Like dandelions in spring, they pop up everywhere, cajoling us to buy and pop their pills! Needling further, commercials attempt to shoot us up with prescription injections. The cream of the crop are the greasy-handed commercials that lather us up with prescription creams, ointments, and salves.
My use of the acronym PCOS is original. Overloading medications can cause a real medical syndrome. Before my concluding remarks, I highlight a couple of audiovisual pill commercial parodies that I find funny. I hope that you enjoy the humor in those! I did.
Pill commercials need to, well, take a pill. They should be flushed down a commode.
My Use of the Acronym PCOS is Original!
Acronyms can be tricky. For example, “AI” is usually understood as “artificial intelligence.” The acronym, however, can also mean “Appalachian Irishman!” News segments about “AI” could be about this website! Yes, I'm dreaming. My website is based on real human intelligence, not the fake kind that involves complex programming and algorithms. I do not need an artificial crutch.
I hoped that I was creating a new acronym, PCOS, meaning “Pill Commercial Overload Syndrome.” “Pill” stands for all types of prescription pills, capsules, tablets, injections, and creams.
To find out if another witty person had already beaten me to the punchline, I searched online for “What is Pill Commercial Overload Syndrome (PCOS)?” Several results were about a disorder that can affect women in their reproductive years. Sympathetic, I chose and read “Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),” Mayo Clinic, by Mayo Clinic Staff, 9/8/2022.
Although disappointed to learn that PCOS is already used as a medical acronym, I realized that my meaning for Pill Commercial Overload Syndrome was original! No other witty barb has used the acronym in that way yet, as far as I know.
Medication Overload is a Real Syndrome
Finally, my next online search was simply for “drug overload syndrome.” I discovered that it is a real syndrome. It is usually called polypharmacy or medication overload. Too many people are taking too many pills.
One source of several is “Don’t Be Fooled by Ads: Medication Overload Is Real: Polypharmacy is a devastating public health issue.” Next Avenue: Twin Cities Public Television, Saint Paul, MN, by Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN, and The John A. Hartford Foundation, 12/13/2019. The third paragraph begins by stating:
Medication overload among older adults—also known as polypharmacy—is a real and devastating public health issue.
Pill pushers on television and radio are similar to drug dealers, who sell illegal drugs on the street. “Ask your doctor if [insert name of drug] is right for you” is a standard line in many of those commercials.
Years ago, I visited our primary physician at the time. I was suffering from an aggravating cold and fever. In humor, I showed my doctor a list of drugs that were being advertised constantly at the time. With tongue placed firmly in cheek, I asked my doctor, “Are all these medications right for me?” Of course, the doctor understood my joke.
While waiting for my appointment in the lobby, several young and sharply dressed pharmaceutical sales representatives came and left. Each wanted time with a doctor in the medical group. While standing in line to check in, one of those pill pushers tried to cut in line ahead of me. Politely but firmly, I directed him to the back of the line!
Thankfully, at age 64, I do not need or take any prescribed medications. Blessed genetically, I eat right, exercise, and know how to take care of myself. The mute button on the remote is my “pill,” which prevents a migraine, when pill commercials appear on television. My radios have off buttons.
Two Humorous Audiovisual Pill Commercial Parodies
I know what you're thinking. “If this is the 119th entry in the humor topic section, where is the humor?” You have found it here! I happened to come across the following two audiovisual episodes that are quite funny. Serious topics that add a touch of humor often get the point across much better.
First up is “Side Effects Commercial,” NEI Psychopharm (YouTube), 11/3/2016. It's just under three minutes in length. The description states:
Enjoy this parody commercial from the NEI Psychopharmacology Congress. Side effects can occur with any medication, including psychotropics. Adequate management of side effects is essential in order to improve adherence and maximize the chances of successful treatment.
The best one is “Abrain | A Pharmaceutical Commercial Parody,” Nick Peterson (YouTube), 7/22/2024. In just over a minute, the episode nails pharmaceutical commercials! It is a great parody that made me laugh out loud! I know a few people, who need to be taking “Abrain,” don't you?
Conclusion
Do readers with a little age on them remember when cigarette commercials were allowed on television? It was not an April Fools' Day joke. On April 1, 1970, President Nixon signed legislation that officially banned cigarette advertising on television and radio. I was nine, but I recall those commercials. Source: History.com: This Day in History: April 1, 1970: President Nixon signs legislation banning cigarette ads on TV and radio.
Did you know that the United States and New Zealand are the only two developed countries that tolerate direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription medications? They are. Source: “Most high-income countries ban direct advertising of prescription drugs–why does NZ still allow it?” The Conversation, by David Menkes, MD, PhD; Barbara Mintzes, MD; and Joel Lexchin, MD; 8/7/2024.
The constant and harassing pill commercials on radio and television need to stop! In the meantime, I hope that you enjoyed the two audiovisual parodies. One of these days, I may record my own audiovisual parody, but not today.
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