It’s true: Drug companies are bombarding your TV with more ads than ever

According to a column in the Washington Post, drug makers in 2014 spent $4.5 billion marketing prescription drugs, up from $3.5 billion in 2012. That’s also up from the $2.5 billion drug makers spent in 2000, or $3.39 billion in 2015 dollars when adjusted for inflation. The United States is just one of a few countries that allows drug companies to advertise directly to patients.