Digoxin Recall Press Release Summation
Actavis Totowa's recently issued press release

Then, there will be those who will cynically assume that the drug manufacturer is only issuing these press releases as a means to protect the company's assets. In reality, there may be some truth to both notions. The company did not willfully and maliciously seek to harm the public but this does not absolve the company of any liability. If people have ingested a product they had good reason to believe would be helpful and the inverse is true then they have a right to seek damages. But, before they can do this they need the facts of the matter. A press release detailing a number of the basic issues surrounding the recall becomes quite helpful in this regard.

That is, the press release eliminates rumors and panic. It provides the details of the problem and what steps are being taken to correct the problem. It also provides clear advice on what to do if an individual has ingested the drug and may be experiencing negative, adverse reactions. While it is important to read the actual press release provided by Actavis Totowa, reading a brief summary of the main points of the press release would save quite a bit of time a well.

The main point of the press release issued by Actavis Totowa stresses that they are voluntarily issuing a recall on the drug. Also, this recall will exist on a nationwide level as opposed to a particular geographic area. Such a statement essentially reveals they do not know which tainted products were shipped where. As such, they must mandate a recall of all products that have been released to store shelves.

Of course, the press release details the main reason for the recall. That is, it defines the flaw in the product. In this particular case, it is revealed in the press release that an accidental double coating of the tablets. This led to a higher than recommended dosage in the tablet's composition. This creates the unfortunate instance of digitalis toxicity which can lead to a number of adverse health problems.

The press release also provides the names of the subsidiaries of the main manufacturer. It also mentions the common brand names the drug is sold under: Bertek and Digitek. Also provided are the customer service numbers one can call to inquire about the recall.

The press release also acknowledges that the FDA is aware of the situation and is monitoring the recall. In fact, much of the company's press release "airlifts" information from the Food and Drug Administration's website. This information includes advice on contacting a physician for further questions, information for retailers looking to return in store stock as well as the FDA's medwatch number where problems associated with taking the product can be reported. This is not because they are "stealing" from the FDA as much as the FDA's wording is perfect and is, after all, in the public domain.

What is somewhat interesting is that the press release is fairly sparse in terms of what it reports. There are a number of reasons for this with the most important being that a verbose press release would not be helpful. If the reader had to trudge through excessive expository information then the press release itself would hardly be helpful. As such, the terse nature of the manufacturer's press release serves its purpose quite well: it informs the public accurately and efficiently.