Harvard Health Ad Watch: A fibromyalgia treatment ( “But you look so good!”)

It’s something I’ve heard countless times from patients with fibromyalgia. They’re telling a friend or family member about their condition and the response is, “But you don’t look sick” or “But you look so well.” Sometimes, the reaction is more of an eye roll or some other response that reflects skepticism that the problem is even “real.” Those are issues addressed head-on in a TV ad for Lyrica (pregabalin), a treatment for fibromyalgia. “To most people, I look like most people,” a woman says. “But on the inside I feel chronic, widespread pain.” After clarifying that the pain is real, this direct-to-consumer drug advertisement moves on to say one of the current theories about the origin of pain in fibromyalgia is that it’s “thought to be caused by overactive nerves.” The mood of the ad is somber at first. Sad music serves as backdrop to a woman who is clearly suffering as a man — perhaps her husband? — plays in the park with two adorable kids. That all changes when she talks about taking Lyrica. Then the music soars and the voiceover tells us that “Lyrica is believed to calm these nerves.” The now-smiling woman looks into the camera and pronounces, “I’m glad my doctor prescribed Lyrica.” The scene brightens and she’s smiling as she goes about setting up for a neighborhood block party. The voiceover informs us that, “For some, Lyrica delivers effective relief for fibromyalgia pain and improves function.” Then comes the lita...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Arthritis Bones and joints Fatigue Pain Management Source Type: blogs