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Too Much Information, Too Late

© Floyd Tilton

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. is recalling Brethaire® Inhalation Aerosol (Terbutaline sulfate,) 7.5 mL, Complete Unit. The company cited aerodynamic particle size failure. The inhalers are manufactured by 3M Pharmaceuticals and are used for relief of reversible bronchospasm in patients with obstructive airway disease such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. There were approximately 72,000 units distributed nationwide.

What is interesting about this recall is that the inhalers in question expired in November 1999, and the company sent letters to patients in September 1999 advising them of the recall. As of now, there are none of the inhalers available to the public, according to estimates by the company. This recall raises an interesting question. Why did the FDA just announce this recall, almost six months after the matter was already settled?

In reality, the recall was only for certain lot numbers, but the publicity generated by a public announcement by the FDA potentially could cause patients who truly need these inhalers to discontinue use, even though the lot numbers they possess are safe and effective. Listed as the Primary bronchodilators of choice for all age groups, including older adults in the case of mild, intermittent cases or acute attacks.

As a result of this delayed notification regarding this recall, several health related areas on the net ran stories on the recall this week; however, again the FDA's delayed announcement caused them to run outdated and misleading information which could cause patients with COPD to panic and think their medication was dangerous or ineffective.

There's a lesson to be learned from all of this, and that is to consult your physician or pharmacist before believing anything that you read or hear regarding the medications that you take for any medical condition. Very often inaccurate information which could cause potential harm is passed along as fact, and the only people who know for sure are the health care professionals who are familiar with your condition.

Internet medical information is popular, and often excellent, but don't make medical decisions based on it. Use the information as it is intended, as an alert, so that you can investigate with your own treating sources and determine what you need. Don't take action on your own and make medical decisions regarding your treatment based on what you read on the Net, hear on TV, or hear from your friends. Instead, use them as a starting point, then investigate, consult, discuss, and finally make an informed decision with those professionals that know your condition.