From foodconsumer.org
FDA: Don't swallow Spiriva and Foradil capsules
By Sue Mueller
Mar 2, 2008 - 6:48:32 PM
SUNDAY MARCH 2, 2008 (foodconsumer.org) -- Federal health officials warned Friday that respiratory disease medications Spiriva and Foradil capsules should be used with the intended inhalation devices, but not swallowed, The Associated Press reported.
Spiriva and Foradil were indicated for use to ease breathing in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
The Food and Drug Administration reported that several people swallowed the capsules, but not as many people experienced side-effects.
The FDA warned that the medications can assist breathing only when they are inhaled through the Spiriva HandiHaler or Foradil Aerolizer.
According to The AP, Spiriva was made by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc, but co-marketed with Pfizer Inc. Foradil is produced by Novartis AG and marketed by Schering-Plough Corp.