article_snippet.sent: a new BBC television investigation claims that branded painkillers that say Britons specifically treat certain types of pain are just using ‘clever marketing’ to make patients spend up to ten times more than patients would on unbranded products, and that some manufacturers simply use the same pills in different packaging throughout some manufacturers ranges.
article_snippet.sent: The UK over-the-counter medicines market, which also includes painkillers and anti-fungal creams, is worth £2.5 billion, with brands vying for attention with brightly coloured packaging and promises that are questionable under scrutiny, claims Dr Chris Van Tulleken.
article_snippet.sent: The film also reveals that UK families spend £350 million on a variety of painkillers, with packaging claiming to specifically target ailments such as period pain, headaches or muscular problems.
article_snippet.sent: It isn’t that the manufacturers are being untruthful, but It is clever marketing to tempt you to spend more money,’ said Dr Van Tulleken.
article_snippet.sent: The investigation claims branded painkillers that say the manufacturers specifically treat certain types of pain are just using ‘clever marketing’ to make patients spend up to ten times more than patients would on unbranded products .
article_snippet.sent: ‘Some medicines are a waste of our hard-earned cash.
article_snippet.sent: Products may be convenient but not necessarily effective.
highlights_snippet.sent: 'Clever marketing' makes patients spend up to ten times more, say experts .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: But some doctors say there is no need to spend so much on remedies .
  