Tuesday, March 10, 2009

My take on TV drug ads (warning: not for sensitive viewers)

After watching an episode of "Celebrity Apprentice" (yes your doctor is intrigued by trash TV, like everyone else) I couldn't get over how many advertisements were promoting pharmaceuticals. I read years ago that 1 in 5 ads were pushing prescription drugs; 20%, WOW!

We'll today, my friend Didi sent me a new ad promising to make women more assertive and less shy. The ad actually follows the tried and true formula of other drug ads; find a problem, exploit it, promise solutions and warn you of all the side effects. Check it out, unlike a lot of drug ads, this one's very factual. Please read the warning labels before taking!

IMPORTANT HEALTH ADVICE FOR WOMEN
Do you have feelings of inadequacy?Do you suffer from shyness?Do you sometimes wish you were more assertive?If you answered yes to any of these questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about Margaritas.Margaritas are the safe, natural way to feel better and more confident about yourself and your actions.Margaritas can help ease you out of your shyness and let you tell the world that you're ready and willing to do just about anything.You will notice the benefits of Margaritas almost immediately and with a regimen of regular doses you can overcome any obstacles that prevent you from living the life you want to live.Shyness and awkwardness will be a thing of the past and you will discover many talents you never knew you had. Stop hiding and start living, with Margaritas.Margaritas may not be right for everyone. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Margaritas. However, women who wouldn't mind becoming pregnant are encouraged to try it.Side effects may include, but are not limited to:- Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, incarceration- Erotic desires- Loss of motor control- Loss of clothing- Loss of money- Loss of virginity- Loss of bladder control- Attraction to ugly men- Table dancing- Headache- Dehydration- Dry mouth- A sudden desire to sing KaraokeWARNING:The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you are whispering when you are not.WARNING:The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to tell your friends over and over again that you love them.WARNING:The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to think you can sing, even if you cannot carry a tune in a bucket.WARNING:The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you can converse intelligently with members of the opposite sex without spitting.*Margaritas are also available in a faster-acting generic form, known as tequila.