Not trying to anger anyone, just want to shed some light on the subject. I work in the pharm industry and this is some of what I have learned in the course of my job:
1. It was illegal to advertise until recently
2. The debate still rages on the affects of DTC (direct to consumer) advertising as it is called, on the Doctor/Patient relationship.
3. Some patients like the feeling of empowerment that comes with this added knowledge.
Yes I agree that side affects list can be worrisome and gross. As for how to stop it (and I say this as a student of government not an expert) write/contact your legislators. The industry isn't so powerful that you can't make a difference or maybe my youth is causing my idealism .
Just my 2 cents