It’s time to give someone a Maalox moment.

Novartis, the manufacturers of Maalox, have advised their customer service reps and other people who may be in contact with the public and/or investors of the following should they receive a call complaining about their choice in advertising.

A commercial for Maalox aired during one of the episodes of Bravo’s documentary program “Gay Weddings” which showed four couples (two gay, two lesbian) making preparations to “tie the knot” and commit their lives to each other. According to a friend who works for Novartis this is their “plan of action”:

“We were informed yesterday that we may be getting calls in because Maalox (made by my company) was advertised on the Bravo network when they did a show entitled ‘Gay Weddings’. We are to tell people that we bought advertising time on Bravo in general, and that's where they put us. Also, we have requested that our products not be advertised during future viewings of ‘Gay Weddings.’”

So what can you do? Call and complain about it or call and support it. Just let your voice be heard:

Here are some numbers you can call to express your opinion:

Novartis Corporation
608 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY 10020
Tel: 212-307-1122

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
One Health Plaza
East Hanover, NJ 07936-1080
Tel: 973-781-8300

Toll-Free Customer Service:
1-888-NOW-NOVA
Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, EST

Novartis US Media Relations (they say this is just for journalists but, oh well, call them too!)
Phone – (212) 830-2457
Fax – (212) 246-0185
All other inquiries – 1-888-669-66682

Investor Relations

Kamran Tavanger
Head of Investor Relations

Jill Pozarek
Investor Relations Manager

John Menditto
Investor Relations Manager

All three can be reached at (212) 307-1122.