FDA cautions on proper use of inhalation medications.FDA FDA abbr. Food and Drug Administration FDA, n.pr See Food and Drug Administration. FDA, n.pr the abbreviation for the Food and Drug Administration. issued a Public Health Advisory Feb. 29 on the correct use of Spiriva and Foradil capsules, which are specifically designed for use with the Spiriva HandiHaler and Foradil Aerolizer inhalation devices to improve breathing in patients with asthma, and in individuals affected by chronic obstructive lung disease Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease Definition Chronic obstructive lung disease, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a general term for a group of conditions in which there is persistent difficulty in expelling (or exhaling) air , including chronic bronchitis chronic bronchitis n. Inflammation of the bronchial mucous membrane, characterized by cough, hypersecretion of mucus, and expectoration of sputum over a long period of time and associated with increased vulnerability to bronchial infection. and emphysema emphysema (ĕmfĭsē`mə), pathological or physiological enlargement or overdistention of the air sacs of the lungs. A major cause of pulmonary insufficiency in chronic cigarette smokers, emphysema is a progressive disease that commonly . The agency and the American Assn. of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC AAPCC Adjusted average per capital cost Managed care The funds a managed care plan receives from the CMS, formerly HCFA, to cover costs. See Capitation. ) National Poison Data System have received many reports of patients swallowing these capsules rather than placing them in the inhalation devices. While the reports indicate that few patients experienced side effects from swallowing the capsules, it is important to note that Spiriva or Foradil will not treat a patient's breathing condition if the capsules are swallowed rather than inhaled. Patient information for these medications includes highlighted statements noting that the capsule contents are to be inhaled and not swallowed. FDA will continue to monitor reports of the incorrect use of these medications and, as needed, will continue to work with the manufacturers to improve the medications' labeling and promote patient education for correct use. Spiriva was developed by Boehringer Ingelheim, which co-markets it with Pfizer. Foradil is manufactured by Novartis and marketed in the United States by Schering-Plough. |
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