La Texican - I'm not sure how pharmaceutical companies came to advertise drugs. It is a relatively new thing. I suppose could be an effort to "provide" information. But I agree with you, it makes me a bit uneasy. On the other hand, the web has helped me in pushing for an accurate diagnosis for my DD and if I hadn't pushed, she would most likely still be on the steroids the doctor prescribed, rather than benefiting from a much less invasive treatment plan. So - sometimes it does help to educate the public so that they can advocate. I don't know, it is complex.