Feeling Bombarded By Prescription Drug Ads? There’s a Good Reason

Pharmaceutical companies spent nearly $4 billion (yes, with a B) on television commercials in the first eight months of 2025.

Drug companies poured $3.73 billion into national TV advertising from January through August, representing 14% of all television ad spending during that period.

The data was generated by iSpot.Tv and reported by StudyFinds.

ABC, CBS and NBC captured the largest share of Big Pharma’s advertising dollars. That’s no surprise to anyone who has watched network news recently.

The makers of Wegovy, a weight-loss drug, led the spending, followed by companies marketing treatments for inflammatory conditions, including Tremfya and SKYRIZI for inflammatory bowel disease.

Interesting side note: Though pharmaceutical ads account for just 4.2% of commercials aired, they make up 8.3% of total ad time because they tend to be longer. Those ads may get even longer after President Trump ordered federal health agencies to enforce rules about misleading prescription drug advertisements, which could require companies to list more side effects in broadcast and social media spots, Time Magazine reports.

What do you think? Has a TV commercial persuaded you to ask your doctor about a prescription drug? Share your thoughts with Voices for Affordable Health.