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Serevent Class Action Lawsuits Information
When the FDA approved a new drug called Serevent (almeterol
xinafoate) for the treatment of asthma in 1994, they were unaware of the
problems to come. Serevent, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, later had its
FDA-approved use extended to include treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary
heart disease. Used daily, Serevent controls the symptoms of asthma and is
considered a long-acting bronchodilator. According to Serevent marketing
material, the medication provides up to twelve hours of relief from chest
tightness and wheezing related to asthma and other chest conditions. While
Serevent enjoys great popularity with asthma victims, many users remain unaware
that a recent study showed that users of Serevent are three times more likely to
die asthma-related deaths as users of other asthma medications.
In 1996, Serevent was the subject of a study conducted by GlaxoSmithKline (due
to FDA concerns). During the Serevent study, a number of participants suffered
fatal asthma attacks, leading to the cancellation of the study. In all, 36
participants in the Serevent study experienced life-threatening asthma episodes,
including several who died. Some of the Serevent users had such severe
difficulty breathing that they were intubated to re-open their airways.
African-Americans who use Serevent are at a higher risk for these problems than
users of other ethnic backgrounds, and patients who do not use Serevent in
combination with another drug to fight inflammation also have increased odds of
complications. A safety monitoring board shut down the Serevent study, and the
FDA required GlaxoSmithKline to place a black box warning (the highest level of
warning) on all Serevent product packaging and marketing materials. As of
December 2003, no such warning existed on any Serevent material, and there is no
known target date for a warning to appear.
Patients who are currently taking Serevent should consult a physician before
altering or ceasing treatment. Many individuals have benefited from the use of
Serevent, but it is important to discuss all potential side effects with your
doctor, to determine whether or not Serevent is the best option for controlling
your asthma. If you or a loved one has suffered adverse effects or death as a
result of using Serevent, GlaxoSmithKline may be liable, and you could be
entitled to recover all costs associated with medical treatment, hospital and/or
funeral expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. Discuss
potential Serevent cases with an attorney who has experience in product
liability and representing the victims of drug companies.
Serevent Side Effects
A recent study of an asthma medication called Serevent
indicated that Serevent side effects may prove lethal for many asthma patients.
Asthmatics often rely on daily medication such as Serevent, a bronchodilator, to
ease asthma symptoms. Reports of Serevent side effects, however, show that users
of Serevent are three times more likely to die of asthma related problems than
those who take other asthma medications. Researchers believe that Serevent side
effects can trigger severe asthma attacks, which in some cases prove lethal for
the user. Although the FDA has demanded that Serevent side effects be listed in
a black box warning on all product packaging and marketing material,
GlaxoSmithKline has yet to comply.
When the FDA originally approved Serevent for the treatment of asthma, in 1994,
the known Serevent side effects appeared minor in nature. In fact, many drugs
had similar issues as the Serevent side effects that were reported by drug
manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline: dry mouth, mild anxiety, muscle cramps, and joint
pain. Then, in a study prompted by FDA concerns, 36 patients suffered Serevent
side effects that included several deaths, intubations, and life-threatening
asthma attacks. For unknown reasons, African-Americans are at higher risk for
Serevent side effects, as are patients who do not take Serevent in combination
with an anti-inflammatory. A safety monitoring board was so concerned about
these reports of Serevent side effects that the study was shut down, although
Serevent remains on the market. The FDA's requirement of a black box warning
regarding Serevent side effects is the highest level of warning possible on a
medication. GlaxoSmithKline's failure to appropriately warn patients and
physicians of potential Serevent side effects could cause them to be held
financially liable for any costs associated with Serevent complications.
More Serevent Information
Both the FDA and GlaxoSmithKline both insist that Serevent
side effects are outweighed by the potential benefits of the asthma medication,
but the fact is that Serevent side effects have been proven to kill users. If
you or a loved one is currently using Serevent for the treatment of asthma or
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, discuss potential Serevent side effects
with your physician. You should not reduce or cease your use of Serevent unless
so advised by a doctor. Persons who have suffered injury due to Serevent side
effects may be entitled to recover funds associated with the injury such as
medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you believe that a loved
one died as the result of Serevent side effects, the family may be eligible to
receive compensation related to that death. An attorney who has represented
victims of Serevent side effects will be able to help you make critical legal
decisions to protect yourself and your loved ones.
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