Pfizer rings in new DTC controversy with Viagra ads

An AIDS advocacy group has criticized Pfizer for DTC ads that the group claims promote recreational use of Viagra. The ad in question shows a middle-aged man and text that says, “What are you doing on New Year’s Eve?” and “Fact: Viagra can help guys with all degrees of erectile dysfunction — from mild to severe.”Michael Weinstein of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation slammed what he thinks is irresponsible advertising:

Not only does sending this reckless message contribute to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, but it is also part of a pattern of irresponsible direct-to-consumer advertising by the drug industry. . . Ads for HIV/AIDS drugs often portray living with HIV to be as simple as popping a pill and then it’s a day at the beach, and there is another side to the story that is simply not being told by the drug industry. We urge Pfizer to not only pull these reckless ads that encourage the recreational use of Viagra, but to make a pledge to curb all irresponsible direct-to-consumer advertising — a practice that is contributing to the spread of disease and placing profit above people’s health.

More on this issue can be found in this article on AdAge.com.