Spiriva (generic: tiotropium) is used in the prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a complication that includes a number of diseases such as bronchospasm, emphysema and bronchitis. Spiriva may be administered in a powder form, via a HandiHaler device, or as a mist, which patients with poor manual dexterity may administer through the Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler. However, Spiriva may be responsible for significantly increasing the risk of fatal circumstances associated with cardiovascular complications. Due to the severity and frequency of these fatal events, plaintiffs may wish to file a Spiriva inhaler lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a Spiriva inhaler, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
What’s the problem?
Pfizer, in association with Boehringer Ingelheim, developed Spiriva with the intentions of controlling symptoms of COPD and other diseases characterized by restricted airway passages. Spiriva may be inhaled as a powder delivered via a HandiHaler device, or in a mist form delivered through a Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler. Once inhaled, Spriva’s fast acting ingredients work to relax and open constricted airways.
Tiotropium, the active ingredient found in Spiriva, resides in a group of medications known in the healthcare community as a bronchodilators. As a bronchodilator, tiotropium helps Spiriva to relax and open a patient’s air passages to the lungs and aids in the process of breathing.
Unfortunately, the use of a Spiriva inhaler may not generate a favorable risk-benefit profile. Tiotropium, the medications active ingredient, may be responsible for catastrophic and potentially fatal cardiovascular side effects that do not justify the use of Spiriva. U.S. and British researchers recently declared that Spiriva, administered through both the HandiHaler and the Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler, may increase the risk of dying from cardiovascular complications by as much as 52 percent. Due to the severity of these catastrophic events, plaintiffs may wish to seek compensation for their pain and suffering by filing a Spiriva inhaler lawsuit.
Spiriva Side Effects
The following side effects may justify a potential Spiriva inhaler lawsuit:
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain
- Indigestion
- Infection
- Muscle pain
- Swelling
- Vomiting
The previously mentioned Spiriva side effects have garnished the attention of the healthcare community. Though they may seem mild, they may be associated with a more catastrophic adverse health event. Researchers believe that Spiriva inhalers may be responsible for a 52 percent increased risk of fatal cardiovascular consequences like stroke and heart attack. Due to the severity of these cardiovascular complications, plaintiffs may wish to seek compensation for their pain and suffering by filing a Spiriva inhaler lawsuit.
Cardiovascular Problems With Spiriva Inhaler
Dr. Sonal Singh of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine recently led a joint study consisting of U.S. and Brtish researchers in order to examine the potentially fatal consequences that are associated with using a Spiriva inhaler. The new study, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), is based on an analysis of data from five clinical trials involving 6,500 people. The study discovered a 52 percent increased risk of death with patients using a Spiriva inhaler as apposed to a placebo. However, researchers do claim that some of the added risk stems from patients dying of cardiovascular complications, especially for those with existing heart problems that may be made worse with use of Spiriva. Dr. Singh concluded that “the mist inhaler is delivering a higher concentration of tiotropium than it should be and that may be increasing the risk of death”.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made their distain for Spiriva apparent as well. FDA officials acknowledged an excess number of deaths in a previous study of 17,000 patients. Their findings lend weight to the long-suspected link between Spiriva and fatal, adverse cardiovascular events. Due to the severity of these cardiovascular complications, plaintiffs can seek compensation by filing a Spiriva inhaler lawsuit.
Do I Have A Spiriva Inhaler Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Spiriva inhaler lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by a Spiriva inhaler, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.