Free Advil at the MRT Station

This afternoon as I went off the train at the MRT-North station a man with a megaphone kept on saying "VOTE FOR ADVIL". Geeeez, the hype for the coming election is also being used for product promotion!  Just like political candidates trying to promote their personalities and political agenda, Wyeth Pharmaceutical was also trying to promote their product by giving away free Ibuprofen Advil at the MRT Station. 

At first I ignored the free samples that they were giving away but as I was on my way to the Trimona Mall, I have noticed the long line of people at the entrance so I decided just let all those people pass and instead of waiting in line I have decided to go back and get myself some Advil samples. Why not right? It's always nice to get free stuff! Heeee Heeee...

Each pack contains a only one 200mg. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Ibuprofen Advil tablet. Well, it's not that bad since I got two! Weee heee!

As I look closer at the packaging, this is what I found out:

• Each tablet contains 200mg Ibuprofen
• Indications: For fever and pains due to colds, flu, sore throat, headache and toothache, muscular ache, backache, for the minor pain of arthritis, and pain of menstrual cramp
• Dosage and Administration: Adults are advised to take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist. If the pain or fever does not respond to 1 tablet, 2 tablets may be used provided that it does not exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours; but the smallest effective dose should be used. Take with food or milk if there's an occasional and mild heartburn, upset stomach, or stomach pain occurs with use. Consult a doctor if these symptoms are more than mild or if they persist. It is not advisable to give this product to children under 12 years old, except under the advice and supervision of a doctor. In case of accidental overdose, discontinue use and seek medical assistance immediately.
• Precaution: Unless directed by a healthcare professional, stop use and ask a doctor or healthcare professional if pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days and if fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days. Stop use and ask a doctor if there's a severe allergic reaction including skin reddening, rash, blisters, blood in the vomit or bloody or black stools. Consult a doctor if you have asthma, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, hypertension, kidney disease or taking NSAIDs. Long-term continuous use may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Side effects may be minimized by using the smallest dose for the shortest duration of time. Use with caution in the elderly.
• Drug Interactions: Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking other NSAIDs, anticoagulants or any other drugs or if you are taking aspirin for heart attack or stroke because Ibuprofen may decrease the benefits of aspirin.
• Pregnancy and Lactation: As with any other medication, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby should seek the advice of a doctor before using this product. Do not use during the last 3 months of pregnancy.
• Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient Ibuprofen, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or any other component of this product. Concurrent or previous history of gastrointestinal ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Adverse Drug Reaction: Somnolence, dizziness, tinnitus, rash, gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders.

Whew! Looks like I'll be thinking twice before taking this product!

On the other hand, the product claims that:

• Advil Ibuprofen works directly at the site of pain to stop it right where it hurts, resulting in fast relief from discomfort
• Ibuprofen is the advanced pain reliever scientifically proven to be safe. Advil's formulation contains no narcotics and has no constipating effect.
• Advil's on-site action and greater peak effect makes it overwhelmingly accepted by healthcare professionals and consumers worldwide.