Everyone is talking about the weird constipation and diarrhea ads that aired during the Super Bowl

It was somewhat surprising — among the sodas, and cars, and big name consumer goods brands — to see an ad about constipation airing during the Super Bowl this year. And then to see another referencing diarrhea!

But, yes, it did actually happen.

The first ad (above) promoted a prescription product to help tackle opioid-induced constipation (OIC). It was courtesy of Astra Zeneca.

OIC is no laughing matter and the ad was clearly designed to raise awareness about the affliction amongst the audience of more than 100 million people watching the game. 

But those good intentions didn't stop the memes and mockery emerging on Twitter almost immediately after the ad aired:

Then came an ad for Valeant's diarrhea relief Xifazan product, starring its brand mascot: A smiley pink intestine!

This ad was also complete with enough bowel movement references to put people off their guacamole on game day:

Then, not in the same body area but still in the general gross medical ad department came Jublia in the fourth quarter, returning to the Super Bowl with an ad promoting its toe fungus cream. Lovely!