Abdominals Quote by Charles Krauthammer
“Consider the oddity of those drug commercials on television. Fifteen seconds of the purported therapeutic effort, followed by about 45 seconds of a rapidly muttered list of horrific possible side effects. When the ad is over, I can't remember a thing about what the pill is supposed to do, except perhaps cause nausea, liver damage, projectile vomiting, a nasty rash, a four-hour erection, and sudden death. Sudden death is my favorite because there is something comical about it being a side effect. What exactly is the main effect in that case? Relief from abdominal bloating?”
About This Quote
Source Television: Pharmaceutical commercial ad, US, 2000s
The quote satirizes how drug ads focus more on side‑effects than benefits, making the harmful details more memorable than the intended therapeutic effect.
In simple terms: Ads highlight side effects over benefits.
Key Takeaway
Be critical of medical advertising.
Themes
media criticism
health
humor
Mood
cynical
ironic
Type
satirical
observational
When to use this quote
- watching TV
- prescribing medication
- patient education
Key Concepts
advertising ethics
risk perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this affect your trust in pharma?
- What can be done to improve drug ad clarity?
A Different Perspective
The humor may downplay serious health risks.
