From foodconsumer.org
Boehringer inhaler users at higher risk for stroke
By Sue Mueller
Mar 18, 2008 - 5:25:15 PM
TUESDAY March 18, 2008 (Foodconsumer.org) -- Boehringer
Ingelheim told the FDA that patients using its respiratory inhaler indicated
for treatment of chronic obstructive lung diseases may face a greater risk of
stroke, The Associated Press reported.
The FDA said Tuesday the safety data submitted by the German
drug maker indicated that users of Spiriva Handihaler were at higher risk of
stroke compared to those using a placebo.
The data showed 2 in every 1,000 patients using Spiriva are
at stroke risk.
But the agency said it
has not yet analyzed the data from 29 studies.
Boehringer is expected to provide more data in June. Until
then, the FDA asks doctors and patients to report any side effects of inhaler
use.