Prescription drug companies spent more than $7 billion on television campaigns alone last year. Two of the most advertised drugs — Tremfya and Skyrizi — treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and other inflammatory diseases, and can cost anywhere from $19,000 to $30,000 per dose without insurance.

Ads for weight-loss medications like Zepbound and Wegovy, which can cost up to $600 for a month’s allotment of four pre-filled pens, also pervaded the airwaves, particularly on streaming services.

The most heavily advertised drugs aren't necessarily the most expensive drugs, says Geoffrey Joyce , chair of the department of pharmaceutical and health economics at the University of Southern California. To make television advertising worthwhile, a drug generally needs to be branded, still under patent and used to treat a condition that impacts a large number of people.

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