Now here’s a novel use of the Web. Consumer Union is lobbying Congress to tighten drug safety laws, following the wave of people who have been injured or worse after taking such approved drugs as Vioxx and Bextra. As part of its effort, it is lampooning the rash of drug and pharmaceutical ads that have become an increasing presence in the media. Quick - how many of you have not heard of “the purple pill?”

Ask anyone who is from just about any other part of the world than the United States, and they will tell you that it is utterly alien for pharmaceutical companies to advertise directly to the consumer. But here in the U.S., we are routinely bombarded with ads for all manner of drugs and pharmaceuticals. “Ask your doctor for this drug,” they exhort. This is what happened with Vioxx and Bextra, and look where it got those consumers (heart attacks and…

[Continue reading Cute Web Animation Takes Aim at Vioxx, Bextra, Pharmaceutical Ads and Lax Drug Safety Laws]