Hoffmann-LaRoche pulls ads for diet drug after complaints from FDA

A drug maker has pulled ads for one of its diet drugs after complaints from the government.<br> <br>Hoffmann-LaRoche has stopped using t-v ads for its anti-obesity drug, Xenical (ZEN'-uh-kal). <br><br>The

Tuesday, November 2nd 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A drug maker has pulled ads for one of its diet drugs after complaints from the government.

Hoffmann-LaRoche has stopped using t-v ads for its anti-obesity drug, Xenical (ZEN'-uh-kal).

The Food and Drug Administration had
complained the ads obscured information on possible side effects.

The agency says information on possible cramping and diarrhea was shown on the screen along with distracting visual and sound
effects.

But information about the drug's benefits was presented without any distractions.

A company spokeswoman says the ad has been changed, but wouldn't be more specific.