Ser-Ap-Es pen knife

Here's a drug I'm positive I've never seen prescribed. From an alert reader comes this vintage shot of a penknife advertising an old antihypertensive. There are three component medications in this, one of which is (and I swear I'm not making this up) an extract of Rauwolfia serpentina or "Indian snakeroot." Add that to willow bark and cinchona alkaloids in the list of natural products used in modern medicine.

Tekturna keychain

I think this wins the "absolutely least useful" award for drug rep toys. It's lightweight, flimsy even, and adds nothing to a key chain but an advertisement. It isn't a bottle opener, magnifying glass, or penlight. It doesn't do anything. No idea what the rep wanted me to do with this.

Starlix sharpie

Another clickable Sharpie. Hard to argue with a classic.

Tekturna pen

Tekturna is a novel new antihypertensive. The biochemistry is interesting on its own, but trying to assist the hype is this pen, which is pretty solid, and writes decently well. Unfortunately, the clicker assembly on top is very cheap feeling, gets stuck easily, and threatens to break if used regularly. Sorry Novartis, I'm not spreading the message with this one in my pocket.

Diovan pocket clip

I've already voiced my disapproval of using drug rep pocket clips, turning, as they do, one's pocket into a tiny billboard. Pens I don't mind so much, but putting one of these on seems to make a small, proud statement of support. This one is no different.

Diovan Calipers

Another set of calipers in the pile this week. These actually match the other Diovan product I've picked up, the penlight I posted earlier. These calipers are a bit annoying though, in that they aren't sturdy enough to hold the space you set them to. The plastic arms are, well, plastic, and seem threatening to break at the slightest provocation. That, and they are huge. The Coreg calipers, for example, are about half the size of a normal pen. (roughly 7.5cm long) These are the size of an average highlighter. Plus they have the Novartis label in large lettering on the pocket clip. (see the second picture) I realize all this stuff is given out as advertisement, but I refuse to turn my person into a walking billboard. Not likely to use these anytime soon.

Toprol card

It's the weekend, time for yet another update to the world of Drug Rep Toys Blog©. Starting off this Saturday, we have the Toprol doctor's card. Toprol, by the way, lowers your heart rate, something that knife probably wouldn't do if it were peeking out of your doctor's pocket.

Lotrel pen

Zometa pen

This is not a great pen. It is far too lightweight and thin for my liking. Perhaps this is intentional, as the drug is intended to stop hypercalcemia of malignancy, which usually results directly from bone loss. Still, if Novartis wants me to carry a catchy reminder of their product, they'll have to try harder. Still, the clip is distinctive, and the color stands out in a pleasant way.

Diovan penlight

This is a cool little pen light. And it uses replaceable batteries. Such fun.