According to an information brochure from Sept. 26, 1957 that was handed out to all Grünenthal employees, all ads on Contergan should emphasize its “absolute non-toxicity” (“völlige Ungiftigkeit”) and “safeness” (“Gefahrlosigkeit”) – a sensational announcement for doctors and consumers alike: A completely harmless sedative was something unheard of.
Consumers could find the words “absolute non-toxic” also directly on the instruction leaflets that came with the Thalidomide preparations after the drug was put on the market.
However, some safety precautions were mentioned as well: the instructions told consumers to discuss the dosage with their doctors. “Unrest and states of excitement” (“Unruhe-‐ und Erregungszustände”) were mentioned as possible side effects.
Source: Anklageschrift (indictment) from 1967, today archived at the National Archives of North Rhine-Westphalia in Duisburg, Germany (Rheinland Division, Gerichte Rep. 139, No. 1–396), p. 56f.