[Azred]

re: pharmaceutical ads. During the testing phase and after a drug is released for public use they keep track of any/all side effects. If even one person has "stomach pains" while taking the drug and other causes are ruled out, then the manufacturer has to put "possible side effects include stomach pain"; this is an FDA regulation. They probably wouldn't have to put this in the TV commercial if people would read the fact sheet about the medication, which they probably don't. If you haven't, then read one sometime. Very interesting.
Anyway, advertising is a relatively small portion of a drug manufacturer's budget. Research & Development can be astronomical, though, especially once the testing phase begins--this requires medical liability insurance because someone might die or be injured. Medical liability insurance is really expensive.