Foradil (Novartis) and Serevent (GlaxoSmithKline)

On Thursday, December 11, 2008, an FDA Advisory panel recommended two drugs, Foradil (Novartis) and Serevent (GlaxoSmithKline) no longer be used to treat asthma. In testimony before the FDA Panel and reported in Reuters, FDA drug safety reviewer David Graham noted the long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) contained in those drugs increased the risk of mortality. He went on to question if the benefits justified the increased risk and answered no. Reuters noted Graham attributed potentially thousands of death to LABAs. LABAs help relax airways to prevent the spasms that cause the attacks but have now been linked to increased risk of hospitalization and death.

The FDA could decide to revoke the approval of Serevent and Foradil for asthma, although the drugs would continue to be sold for treating another lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. According to Reuters, patients should not stop taking any of their asthma medications without consulting a doctor, John Jenkins, head of the FDA's Office of New Drugs, advised after the meeting.

If you or a loved one took Foradil or Serevent and suffered an adverse reaction or death, please contact our office at 1- 888-841-9623 or email michelle@toledolaw.com for a free consultation