SHAME on Wyeth!
To: Wyeth Consumer Healthcare, Inc. (Robert Essner, Chairman; Bernard Poussot, CEO)
Subject: Wyeth Advil® PM Newspaper Advertising Supplement March 2, 2008
WHAT are you THINKING?!!
In this age, when children and young people across the U.S. are suffering and dying from OTC and prescription drug abuse in numbers never previously seen, WHY did you place a packet containing two “FREE SAMPLE” Advil® PM caplets in a clear plastic pouch on my copy of the Boston Sunday Globe—one of 2.5 million samples you sent across the U.S.A.?
Think about it: Of all the newspapers delivered during the week, which is the only one likely to be snatched up by a child from the front porch or the newspaper tube? The Sunday paper, of course: the one with all the comics! And right there, in a special pouch on the front of the newspaper bag, is an enclosure brightly labeled “FREE SAMPLE” — inside which is a packet of two Advil® PM caplets. WHAT are you THINKING?!!
What message do you suppose that sends? Would it be, perhaps, something like, “We think Wyeth Advil® PM caplets are so tasty that we attached some freebies right on top of your Sunday paper. Go ahead—take a couple! In fact, grab your neighbors’ newspapers and take a few more!”
Each caplet of Advil® PM contains 38 mg. of the sleep aid diphenhydramine citrate and 200 mg. of the NSAID ibuprofen. Ibuprophen can cause a fatal anaphylactic reaction in any persons, of any age, who are allergic to aspirin. In addition, right there in the (miniscule) text on the packet is your own warning: “Do not use…in children under 12 years of age.”
Are Wyeth’s senior-management people complete idiots, or had you simply taken so many Advil®PM caplets that you were snoozing when you approved this advertising supplement?
And to all newspaper advertising directors: Why did you accept this ad?!!
I’m going to make it my business to help ensure that our children are never exposed again to FREE pharmaceuticals—in their own homes—without permission in any form from their parents or guardians.
SHAME on you!
Interested in this topic, pro OR con? Please submit a comment.
You can also contact Wyeth directly: see http://www.advil.com/contact/index.asp .