Asthma Inhalers Foradil, Serevent, Symbicort and Advair Increase Risk of Death: FDA Officials Warn
Several FDA officials have warned that because side effects of Advair, Serevent, Foradil and Symbicort may increase the risk of death, an FDA advisory panel should recommend that approval to use the drugs for treatment of asthma should be withdrawn or severely limited.
These medications are known as long-acting beta agonists (LABAs), and they are commonly prescribed to help avoid the inflammation of airways in the lungs and prevent asthma attacks. While they have been found to keep airways open, use of the medications could potentially increase the severity of future attacks, especially among children.
A panel of independent advisors to the FDA is scheduled to meet this week to review safety data on the four asthma inhalers.
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Learn MoreIn advance of these meetings, two FDA officials have concluded that asthma patients of all ages should no longer use Advair, Symbicort, Serevent or Foradil due to the increased risk of death. A third FDA official has indicated that Advair and Symbicort could still be used by adults, but that none of the inhalers should be used by children 17-years-old or younger.
Asthma is a chronic disease which affects 20 million Americans, including 6.5 million children, causing symptoms like difficulty breathing, spasms and wheezing.
Unlike rescue inhalers, which contain the beta-agonist albuterol and have a limited duration, these long-acting beta agonists are designed to be taken daily to prevent asthma attacks.
Advair, which is the biggest seller out of the four asthma drugs, is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline PLC and generates sales of nearly $7 billion annually. The inhaler combines a steroid with Serevent, which is also made by Glaxo and contains salmeterol as its active ingredient. Sales of Serevent alone were $538 million last year.
Foradil, which contains formoterol as its active ingredient, is manufactured by Novartis AG and marketed in the U.S. by Schering-Plough Corp. It is used in combination with an inhaled steroid is Symbicort, which was introduced by AstraZeneca last year. In the first 9 months of 2008, Symbicort generated sales of just over $200 million.
The drugs already contain “black box” warnings about an increased risk of hospitalizations and death from asthma attacks while on the drugs, which is the strongest warning that can be placed on a prescription medication.
The FDA advisory panel is scheduled to meet on December 10 and 11 to consider whether additional regulatory actions involving use of these inhaled drugs to treat asthma should be recommended.
Even if approval for treatment of asthma is withdrawn, a recall of Advair, Serevent, Fordail or Symbicort will not occur, as the drugs are also approved for use in treating individuals suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who are usually elderly.
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58 Comments
LisaFebruary 28, 2017 at 12:32 am
My husband was prescribed symbicort and another prednisone inhaler by the VA. He had very bad asthma and after two months on these meds he died suddenly. Not a good medication for those with asthma.
teresaMarch 14, 2015 at 12:33 am
I have been on all kinds of inhalers, they haven't help.its mess.my teeth up, so I have come off my copy med.
keremitJanuary 26, 2015 at 3:10 am
i dont like symbricort-----only been using 4 days throat irratation hoersness---dont think its a good med ---my doc put me on spriva now thats good also have 6mts supply of foradil---from last appt.---im keeping that also use albuterol ---damm im a mess ---when they going to grow some lungs in the lab ---ha ha ---im 71
VictoriaOctober 17, 2014 at 1:32 am
since using symbicort and advair I develop loss of vision of the right eye and also have dry eye and lid. been developing a chronic clearing of the throat.
Joy-Ann RMarch 24, 2014 at 4:43 am
For Asthma sufferers try all of the following; Google ' Tooth Meridians Natural Dentistry Chart', and click on lungs. It tells you which teeth are related to lungs/respiratory, and so on. If there is bacteria/Cavitation it must be cleaned out. Only a licensed Biological/Holistic Dentist can do this. You may have to travel to this Dentist -- mine is a 3-hour drive away, but well worth it. Don't m[Show More]For Asthma sufferers try all of the following; Google ' Tooth Meridians Natural Dentistry Chart', and click on lungs. It tells you which teeth are related to lungs/respiratory, and so on. If there is bacteria/Cavitation it must be cleaned out. Only a licensed Biological/Holistic Dentist can do this. You may have to travel to this Dentist -- mine is a 3-hour drive away, but well worth it. Don't mention to your mainstream Dentist as they'll surely discourage you. Each tooth is linked/connected to specific body organs. A Cavity is in the tooth, but a Cavitation is in the bone surrounding the tooth. They can cause real BIG trouble, including Asthma, even if you have no symptoms. Request a Panoramic or similar X-ray and find out if you have a Cavitation. And if so, get the bacteria in the bone/gums cleaned up. Be aware -- some insurances don't cover for Cavitation -- only for Cavities. STOP allowing Mercury to be put in your mouth. Eliminate all processed/microwaved foods and dairy, wheat, flour, gluten and peanuts from the diet, as well as ALL sugar, including artificial sugar and alcohol. Use sea salt and limit salt intake. Buy a shower-head water filter from Sante for $120, as they custom make the shower water filter for the specific crap that is in your water supply coming into your home (they are in the Southwest U.S.) 800-398-6735 or buy one that removes Chloramine and Chlorine, etc.. Don't shower in chlorinated water OR you can just get a whole house Reverse Osmosis water filter from Sante for around $995 ... and/or drink only water from the gallon jugs of Distilled water. Tap water is bad in most areas for drinking, cooking and bathing and can trigger Asthma in some people. Buy a home Air Purifier that removes viruses, toxins, mold spores, etc.. Honeywell sells a real good one for about $200 (U.S.D) that should last at least 5 years. Replace bed pillows every 6 months and keep all bedding real clean - --wash weekly. Do not use bedding that needs to be dry cleaned. Also, run every load of laundry through an additional short cold-water rinse cycle to remove excess soap/detergent residue. Finally, STOP stressing and thinking negative thoughts and stay away from toxic people who inspire the anxiety that leads to inflammation.
sarah bethSeptember 6, 2013 at 3:06 pm
have been on symbicourt for 2 years now. have since developed glaucoma, & have started having problems with my teeth. (dry mouth, 2 extractions & a root canal.) i'm telling my doctor i want off this stuff asap.
shirleyApril 24, 2013 at 3:48 am
i recently was given symbicort.I felt fine for the first few treatments on my machine.Then i was given the inhaler.I felt as if i stuck my finger in a light socket. a shock went through my head.severe dizziness.and i felt light headed.disoriented as well.I could barely drive. I'm throwing all my meds away . I'll stick to albuteral. The doctore told me to take this stuff twice a day every day.heck [Show More]i recently was given symbicort.I felt fine for the first few treatments on my machine.Then i was given the inhaler.I felt as if i stuck my finger in a light socket. a shock went through my head.severe dizziness.and i felt light headed.disoriented as well.I could barely drive. I'm throwing all my meds away . I'll stick to albuteral. The doctore told me to take this stuff twice a day every day.heck no. I'm not killing myself.plus my eyesight has gone bad
ThomasMarch 14, 2013 at 2:32 am
I am a 47 year old male who has been taking advair 500/50, and proventil for 9 or 10 years. I am now having trouble with my eyes, as my eyelids swell up, and make it hard to see at very long distances. Have any of you out there had this problem? I do know that it causes eye problems, I read that on the Dr's Instructions. I have copd, with chronic bronchitis. I told my doctor about this, and sh[Show More]I am a 47 year old male who has been taking advair 500/50, and proventil for 9 or 10 years. I am now having trouble with my eyes, as my eyelids swell up, and make it hard to see at very long distances. Have any of you out there had this problem? I do know that it causes eye problems, I read that on the Dr's Instructions. I have copd, with chronic bronchitis. I told my doctor about this, and she wants to test me for infections. I went to an opthamologist, and he said it was some sort of auto immune problem, or infection. When I suggested it to my doctors, they told me it wasn't consistent with problems from advair. Well, I have been having some problems with my copd recently, so I tried some advair 250/50 after taking steroids top clear up my problems with the swelling and running in my eyes, now I have the problem back, and my damn doctor only wants to give me one inhaler, without the help of a substance like advair, but different ingredients, or company, she still wants me to stay with gsk. Bullcrap on that. Any advice out there on the best attorney I can get to sue these pricks? All of them? Thanks Tom
VerdaDecember 25, 2012 at 3:00 pm
I used advair disc for about 9 years and after only 5 years of use, I was in the E.R. with a heart rate of 160. I stll have problems with my heart and with just about any activity my heart rate goes to 138 even with medication to slow it down.
SandyNovember 23, 2012 at 4:04 am
Although I have had pollen allergies since age 8, I was not diagnosed with asthma until late in my pregnancy at nearly 34. Had my first attack at 35, after I vacationed in WI with a cold, not knowing that the ragweed season hadn't ended in Oct. that year. Ended up in a rural ER, was sent home with Ventolin, a steroid inhaler,Intal, Z-Pak, Medrol Dose-Pak, and Slo-Phyllin (they hadn't discovered le[Show More]Although I have had pollen allergies since age 8, I was not diagnosed with asthma until late in my pregnancy at nearly 34. Had my first attack at 35, after I vacationed in WI with a cold, not knowing that the ragweed season hadn't ended in Oct. that year. Ended up in a rural ER, was sent home with Ventolin, a steroid inhaler,Intal, Z-Pak, Medrol Dose-Pak, and Slo-Phyllin (they hadn't discovered leukotriene inhibitors yet). Never had to go to the ER for asthma again, although in recent years I had terrible bronchitis and asthma every time I caught cold. Bought both a home and pocket nebulizer. My son was diagnosed at 4, and had 3 ER visits. His fourth came last week after he caught a bad cold from one of his students (he's an actor and teaches theater to special-ed kids) and not even a home neb treatment worked. He was admitted from the ER into the hospital, where they kept him 4 days (longer than I was an inpatient after knee replacement surgery)! He is now on Advair Diskus as well as his Ventolin inhaler and Combivent ampules should he need to use the neb. He also was switched from OTC Prevacid to Dexilant because GERD was likely triggering coughing & asthma. He is doing fine--Advair isn't affecting his voice (at least not his ability to project). But I'm a singer--last time I had to take it it began to atrophy my vocal cords to the point where my voice felt and sounded weak and cloudy. My voice came back within a week after DC'ing Advair, but as a singer I'm now terrified of the stuff, and have heard all inhaled steroids will erode the vocal folds. I take Singulair and keep my inhaler close at hand, but I'd hate to have to depend on a rescue inhaler. I know that if I can't breathe I can't sing, but I am a professional touring folksinger-songwriter and can't bear the thought of not being able to sing well enough for people to want to hear me. I'm almost 62, and that is the career I'd always wanted--I counted the days till I was old enough (and we'd saved enough) for me to be able to trade my briefcase for a mic and guitar. Is there any medication I can take that will both keep my asthma in check and not ruin my voice? Or is what I'm already taking (nightly Singulair and PRN Ventolin) all I can and dare do?
RuNovember 12, 2012 at 5:00 pm
One more thing! Make sure your neighbors know you have Asthma..it can be a life saver! It would not hurt to have a medical alert necklace you can buy from the pharmacy....some are $10.00 or less..if you begin an asthma attack in public that is the first thing looked for is a "Medical Alert necklace" it gives the first responders something to cause them to start trying to help you or call 911 to le[Show More]One more thing! Make sure your neighbors know you have Asthma..it can be a life saver! It would not hurt to have a medical alert necklace you can buy from the pharmacy....some are $10.00 or less..if you begin an asthma attack in public that is the first thing looked for is a "Medical Alert necklace" it gives the first responders something to cause them to start trying to help you or call 911 to let them know what is wrong especially if you are too far gone into the attack where you cannot verbally respond.......stay from smokers and keep them from your children....smoke makes attacks worse and stiffles the lungs because our lungs are sensitive....get a shoulder massage at least 2 times a month if paying for it and more often if a family mbr or friend is willing to give you one for free...here lately some feel that high blood pressure can induce rapid breathing which can develop into an attack.....massages calm us down.....drink lots of water...it is said water thins the mucus in our bodies which is the other name for "wheezing"...cold water/ice water restricts the muscels and warm water relaxes the muscles.......some.foods that trigger asthma, eggs, chocolate, cream/milk and wheat products......study your asthma and do not take any meds you are afraid of and tell your doctor why you are afraid and you must insist to be "heard" ...after all this is YOU with the "life threatening disease" as it is termed by the govt and no one knows how you feel but YOU....I cannot stress smoking enough! Smoking and second hand smoke WEAKENS the lungs where the lungs cannot fight for you...so all smokers and smoking is off limits!!!! Have a happy non-asthma attack day!
RuNovember 12, 2012 at 4:35 pm
I was diagnosed with asthma in Oklahoma at age 16 but never had an asthma attack until I moved to Georgia at age 50. I studied this disease and found out, it is an inherited disease and no one "grows" out of it. That myth kills! I started having asthma attacks and would end up at the ER at least once or twice a week...they were so dumb on how to treat asthma, knowing I had no inhaler, they wo[Show More]I was diagnosed with asthma in Oklahoma at age 16 but never had an asthma attack until I moved to Georgia at age 50. I studied this disease and found out, it is an inherited disease and no one "grows" out of it. That myth kills! I started having asthma attacks and would end up at the ER at least once or twice a week...they were so dumb on how to treat asthma, knowing I had no inhaler, they would give me a treatment and send me on my way...treating the disease and not me. Well I was finally put on Advair which nearly killed me, then I was given Foradil and Pulmicort...in all these yrs i have never taken the drug the way they wanted me to because I am still afraid of it...been taking it since 2005...when I have an attack or feel one coming on, I reach for a cup of steaming hot water and sip it as if It is coffee...then I use my nebulizer with albuterol and I take a near steel brush and begin to brush the back of my neck and the sensation from the brudh calms me down and the hot water thins the mucus and calms my wheezing until I can drive myself to the ER....and I have a Nebulizer machine in my home and one in my car and it plugs into cigaret lighter in my car. To all Asthmatics listen carefully: I had my 1st asthma attack when I arrived in Georgia voted #1 for Asthma. In the ER 2 nurses schooled me: they told me 2 times in ER in Asthma world is considered too many times. They were puzzled at what my doc had not told me or was not doing...they also told me that the govt has declared Asthma as a disability and what I shud do..so I called Social Security and followed their instructions and now I get a check for asthma monthly because even tho I was working, I had problems coming to work or being at work using my inhaler to breathe all of the time to the point I was fired due to asthma of which I sued and won ....to fire someone for asthma is a lawsuit...if you do not work, how will you pay for expensive inhalers and the trauma from being fired can keep one in asthmatic distress....make sure your children and yourselves are registered with social security/medicare for Asthma..it is for your safety..what would you do if you had an asthma attack at home and you have no nebulizer which is stronger than an inhaler in your home or in your car? Think! Little children cannot fight for themselves..buy a Nebulizer for both your home and car. School your family so that they will know how to help you in a serious asthma attack...my daughter can hear a wheeze with her door closed so to speak..if I have an asthma attack at home or if she hears the first wheeze...she MAKES me get in the car immediately and takes me to the ER....I have back up meds...Prednisone that I take on the way to the hospital...do not wait for an ambulance call the police as well...policemen are the best in a life threatening situation...I pray to God for all of us who have asthma struggles and if any of you want to email me and if I can help any of you email me at rumoneke@yahoo.com...I will do my best to help you in any way that I can,..,May God bless all of you to not have any asthma attacks and may God bless you all to get the best care. Email me I am ready and willing to help any way that I can.
BettyNovember 12, 2012 at 1:25 pm
I am 53 yrs old and I have asthma and I have been taking singular and using for years, but since june 2007 I have been put in the hosiptal for life threatening attack. Using my adviar inhaler come to the poit its does help me. Their have been time the doctor told my daughter if she would have waited 30 more miunte I would have died. I have rashes which started out with small bumps under my skin an[Show More]I am 53 yrs old and I have asthma and I have been taking singular and using for years, but since june 2007 I have been put in the hosiptal for life threatening attack. Using my adviar inhaler come to the poit its does help me. Their have been time the doctor told my daughter if she would have waited 30 more miunte I would have died. I have rashes which started out with small bumps under my skin and they turn a little purple like under the skin. This happening to me in the year of 2010 and now I have an out break now in my hands, elbow, knees and some on my feet. I don't know if this is the result of this medicine, but we don't know what causing this problem.
carolAugust 19, 2012 at 8:14 pm
I have serve asthma and if it was not for advair I would be in the hospital all the time. the other things I was given were not effective. Leave my advair alone. I only take one puff a day instead of the two puffs because that is all I need. I have tried a lower dosage but it did not work. my current dosage is 250/50 so keep your grubby hands off my drug that is working. Nothing else offered [Show More]I have serve asthma and if it was not for advair I would be in the hospital all the time. the other things I was given were not effective. Leave my advair alone. I only take one puff a day instead of the two puffs because that is all I need. I have tried a lower dosage but it did not work. my current dosage is 250/50 so keep your grubby hands off my drug that is working. Nothing else offered worked. Breathing is not an option. Trust me on that one. I have taken several ambulance rides to the hospital and one time I thought i was going to die. I have been prescribed a host of medication but due to the price of all the meds I take only what works. Now if you can get the price a lower than you would be doing me a great favor but otherwise keep your hands off the one medicine that works for me or bury me now. It is your choice. I am serious. I wish I wasn't but that is the only thing that works.
sharonJuly 27, 2012 at 2:57 pm
my husband had asthmas which was controlled by a daily spray then he was put on symbicort. he had 2 sever attacks march 20 12 and july 18 2012. i had his funeral Sun the 22 20 12. massive heart attack died at home. in37 yrs i was with him he never had an asthma attack. i ihave sent warnings against this all over face book and who ever else will listen. dr never told him this could kill him. they s[Show More]my husband had asthmas which was controlled by a daily spray then he was put on symbicort. he had 2 sever attacks march 20 12 and july 18 2012. i had his funeral Sun the 22 20 12. massive heart attack died at home. in37 yrs i was with him he never had an asthma attack. i ihave sent warnings against this all over face book and who ever else will listen. dr never told him this could kill him. they said i would have to have autopsy to see if it killed him i dont need one i know it did. my heart goes out to all of you who have lost a loved one because of this drug
NancyJuly 12, 2012 at 2:20 pm
My husband passed on Father's Day. He was also using his symbicort inhaler and had just been in the er two nights before with an asthma attack. Our family was just informed of the problems with symbicort. I don't know exactly what happen to him that made this attack so much worse than the others before. I do know that he had been using this inhaler and have read that it can worsen future attacks.
TonyJune 13, 2012 at 4:00 am
My dad died on May 30. 2012, and my mom found him on the floor pointing at his symbicort inhaler, which he just took. I'm pissed, he was only taking it for a few months, I believe that he didn't really need it and the V.A. presribed it to him, he was recently diagnosed with COPD. I need help asap on this matter, if you know some one who maybe can help my family to try to get to the bottom of this[Show More]My dad died on May 30. 2012, and my mom found him on the floor pointing at his symbicort inhaler, which he just took. I'm pissed, he was only taking it for a few months, I believe that he didn't really need it and the V.A. presribed it to him, he was recently diagnosed with COPD. I need help asap on this matter, if you know some one who maybe can help my family to try to get to the bottom of this, please let me know. Thanks
LaxfanNovember 3, 2011 at 11:01 am
Call the drug company and report the adverse event – the hospital should have made a report. NEXT TIME CALL THE FDA - tell them they prescribed a drug to your child without it being going tested on children or going through pediatric clinical studies - and get a lawyer
ElizabethNovember 2, 2011 at 7:17 am
Hi, My son was dianoised with moderate, persistant asthma, and has had 3 or 4 asthma attacks since he was dianoised at the age of 3, Last year my son experienced an asthma attack, and stayed at Riley's Childrens' Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. My son was referred to a asthma specialist in Carmel Indiana, a division of Riley's childrens hospital, a doctor perscribed Symbicort for my son at t[Show More]Hi, My son was dianoised with moderate, persistant asthma, and has had 3 or 4 asthma attacks since he was dianoised at the age of 3, Last year my son experienced an asthma attack, and stayed at Riley's Childrens' Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. My son was referred to a asthma specialist in Carmel Indiana, a division of Riley's childrens hospital, a doctor perscribed Symbicort for my son at the age of 7, my sons breathing became instantly worst, I tried to talk to his primary doctor and the doctor that perscribed this deadly drug to my son, I explained to them prior to him taking this my son was born with a heart murmur, had some cold sores, and they knew he was only seven, yet they gave him this drug, each time my son was given any drug the hospital filled out a survey form, and even sent survey forms to my home for me to fill out later. Well needless to say my son had a severe reaction to this drug Symbicort, he had bronchitis, nemonia, and an out break of cold sores that spanned upward to his nose. I was forced to give my son this medications by the doctors, when I tried to complain I was dismissed so I took my son off of the steroid medications, and this I know saved his life, he was to the point of needing to be hospitalized for nemonia. I begain researching this deadly drug symbicort, and discovered it has NEVER been tested on children under the age of 12. I was outraged, I called the hospital, began hyperventilating, when they refused to listen to me, I told the hospital that if they offered me a billion dollars I still would not allow them to use my child as a gueina pig or a "test Project", and asked them exactly what made them believe I would allow them to do this without my permission. They reacted by calling CPS on me and stated to them my son had Severe asthma, and I was refusing to give him his medication, and therefore I am neglecting my child. So now I have anywhere from three to four people coming to my house every week making sure I give my child his medciation, well, after I accused the hospital of using my child to test out symbicort in children, and telling them they almost killed my child , they instead of taking any responsibility are pushing my son's helath problems off onto me, even suggesting maybe I was not giving my child the medication properly and sending a "home healthcare nurse" out to my home to watch me administer the medication, Every time your child is taken to the hospital with asthma, now because of the poor quality of the dr ugs created to treat asthma, like they should know by now Steroids Are Bad, esp. for children, I am forced to go to what they call "Asthma Education" classes, I dont even have a choice they will not let your child leave the hospital, until the parents go through this, even if you have already gone through this before. If you fail to go to these they will call CPS on you and , they even lied and told CPS that I missed 4 doctor apointments for my son for severe asthma, which I have paperwork stating my son has moderate persisitant asthma, I don't feel like I can fight all the lawyers that , Riley's Childrens Hospital, has, and believe that they are recieving large sums of money from the drug companies to test out these dangerous drugs on children and I believe that these are children that have medicaid insurance, I guess if you can't afford medical Insurance in this country, then the govenment and the hospitals have the right to treat your child as if it were a test monkey, so beware of what you are signing at all times.
yolandaOctober 21, 2011 at 3:58 pm
I have been an asthmatic since i was two, along with allergies , I was put on advair along with another inhaler in 2005, I have recurrent episodes of asthma attacks at least once a month or a sinus infection or some sort of infection I have to be put on antibiotics, yea that helps out only for awhile.I feel so out of breath with activities at home or out. I have had to go to the emergency room fo[Show More]I have been an asthmatic since i was two, along with allergies , I was put on advair along with another inhaler in 2005, I have recurrent episodes of asthma attacks at least once a month or a sinus infection or some sort of infection I have to be put on antibiotics, yea that helps out only for awhile.I feel so out of breath with activities at home or out. I have had to go to the emergency room for my attacks with higher than normal vital signs I am starting to think that this medicine could be making my condition worse, is there a lawyer who i can talk to about my rights against defective drugs out there and their manufactures/ corporations who put the mighty dollar ahead of health and the well being of people.
DeniseOctober 13, 2011 at 2:06 pm
I have mild COPD. For the last few years the doctor wanted me to take Advair. Said that I would have a better quality of life. I started taking it 6 months ago. After 3 months I started having awful sore legs with muscles spasm. My body acked all over and I felt terrible, like having the flu. Then I started having night sweat. It was bad. Since I am 67 and on estrogen patch for years, I thought ma[Show More]I have mild COPD. For the last few years the doctor wanted me to take Advair. Said that I would have a better quality of life. I started taking it 6 months ago. After 3 months I started having awful sore legs with muscles spasm. My body acked all over and I felt terrible, like having the flu. Then I started having night sweat. It was bad. Since I am 67 and on estrogen patch for years, I thought may be it was the patch. Got some new one but no change.Then I decided to quit this advair cold turkey. I had some bad side effect. It's almost 2 weeks since I quit and now I feel like I am fighting some flu. The night sweat are still there and even during the day I go in to sweat real bad. I was told that the adrenal gland has been suppressed by the dvair. Anyone esle has this problem?
jolandaOctober 10, 2011 at 11:01 pm
i have had asthma all my life and been hospitalized numerous times but this time i wasnt fortunate to come out the hospital the same way i went in ....walking the steroids ate my bones up in my legs and i've been in a wheelchair since february of 2011 the dr that admitted me told me finally this is what happened to me from asthma inhalers with steroids.....
DonaldJune 9, 2011 at 4:45 pm
I currently take spiriva, serovent, asmanex and albuteral as needed. I'm 60 years old and am finding breathing is becoming more labored and having light headedness. My BNP is only 80 and all other blood test are normal, or better. I have had COPD for 15 years and until last year my breathing with the above mentioned inhaler's made life bareable. I am very active, doing three thirty miles rides[Show More]I currently take spiriva, serovent, asmanex and albuteral as needed. I'm 60 years old and am finding breathing is becoming more labored and having light headedness. My BNP is only 80 and all other blood test are normal, or better. I have had COPD for 15 years and until last year my breathing with the above mentioned inhaler's made life bareable. I am very active, doing three thirty miles rides on a bicycle a week and working out at the gym four days a week. I have had to cut back do to worsening symptoms; what can I do?
StephenMarch 22, 2011 at 5:56 pm
I have been on foradil for 10+ years for COPD. I have had no side effects whatever and I am taking 2 doses per day. My wife calls it the "Miracle Drug". Now my DR says it is no longer available and I will have to be tied to a machine. Nuts I say to the FDA. If it works, don't fix it and it works fine for COPD patients. I am monitored almost monthly by the GP, Oncology Drs and have no side effects.
LisaMarch 7, 2011 at 12:53 pm
I have used Foradil for years! I love it! It worked for me no problems. Since the recall I have stuggled to find something to replace it, Wasting money and can't breath. I just want my Foradil back. I am a Zumba Instructor I need to breath to be able to do this.I just really want my Foradil!!!! A person can die if they can not breath so I would rather have it so I can live! I have tried 4 differan[Show More]I have used Foradil for years! I love it! It worked for me no problems. Since the recall I have stuggled to find something to replace it, Wasting money and can't breath. I just want my Foradil back. I am a Zumba Instructor I need to breath to be able to do this.I just really want my Foradil!!!! A person can die if they can not breath so I would rather have it so I can live! I have tried 4 differant kinds of med. and none are working. Please just let me have it!
BubbaFebruary 27, 2011 at 4:04 am
just been prescribed symbicort. Seems the asthma sufferers react to this like the literature says. But the others seem to think it some kind of miracle drug, just from reading the experiences that all the writers here chose to share. I too am concerned about it. Most of the bad experiences seem to emanate from long use except for the nine year old who died--whose parents got the drug fact sh[Show More]just been prescribed symbicort. Seems the asthma sufferers react to this like the literature says. But the others seem to think it some kind of miracle drug, just from reading the experiences that all the writers here chose to share. I too am concerned about it. Most of the bad experiences seem to emanate from long use except for the nine year old who died--whose parents got the drug fact sheet along with the payment reciept from their friendly local druggist, the one everybody chooses to throw away along with the bag without reading it. That one had used it for two years when suddenly it 'up and killed' him. Think about how many of those circulars had been thrown away in that time. That borders on negligent parenting. Oh Oh, and this is a lawsuit site trolled by some of the fifty pages of attorneys in every small town fone book. Maybe some of those attorneys would have done a better service to mankind by studying pharmaceutical research or pharmacy or medicine. We have far too many poisons masquerading as medicines. This makes a mockery of the oath all physicians have to take.
HollyJanuary 5, 2011 at 1:40 am
My Dr. Just gave me symbicort and I thought it was great to have my life back again. I am not so sure now with all the facts I have been reading. I hope I am one of the one's that arnt affected by the drug.
LyndaDecember 14, 2010 at 9:01 pm
I have been on Advair for several years, until recently, I could afford it, but now each time I get a refill--even with insurance drug coverage--it is around $280. They say that asthma that is well controlled is what we should all strive for, but with a rescue inhaler for less than $10 a refill versus $280 for a controller. Things have gotten out of hand.
mimiOctober 29, 2010 at 7:36 am
i took advair for 2 weeks and developed cataracts on boths eyes. 2 weeks! had eye exam previous month - no cataracts. started having severe bone pain, headaches, insomia, night sweats, depression. i stopped taking 1 -1/2 months ago. still having symptoms.
NaudiaOctober 23, 2010 at 6:38 pm
Symbicort appeared to be a wonder inhaler when I first began to use it. My asthma was improved, and sinus infections no longer spread into my lungs (which has been a problem for me for some time). After intermittent use over the past two years, I am not so sure of the benefits of this drug any longer... I have woken up twice, and for what seems like an eternity, cannot breathe in any air... prob[Show More]Symbicort appeared to be a wonder inhaler when I first began to use it. My asthma was improved, and sinus infections no longer spread into my lungs (which has been a problem for me for some time). After intermittent use over the past two years, I am not so sure of the benefits of this drug any longer... I have woken up twice, and for what seems like an eternity, cannot breathe in any air... probably just a minute but it is petrifying when it happens. I have also had the two most serious asthma attacks of my life, where I simply cannot pull enough air into my lungs, and actually have thought I might die. Personally, I have stopped taking Symbicort. I do not think the benefits of this drug outweigh the risks in my case.
TyluOctober 22, 2010 at 6:04 pm
By the way I was also given symbicort that I stop taking. I do have alot of throat problems right now. I wonder if this is because of the inhalers.
TyluOctober 22, 2010 at 6:01 pm
I take Advair also. I always wonder why at times when I take it my chest hurts really bad (lungs) with sharp pains. My chest wouldnt be hurting with those sharp pains until I take this medicine. I was told before that this inhaler was dangerous and when I asked Dr. he stated he never heard of anyone dyiing from it. I am currently on this medication but because of the pain when I do take it, I try[Show More]I take Advair also. I always wonder why at times when I take it my chest hurts really bad (lungs) with sharp pains. My chest wouldnt be hurting with those sharp pains until I take this medicine. I was told before that this inhaler was dangerous and when I asked Dr. he stated he never heard of anyone dyiing from it. I am currently on this medication but because of the pain when I do take it, I try not to take it so much. Is this medicine going to cause me health problems down the line cause if so I wish not to use it and I wish Dr. would not prescribe such a thing,
ChrisSeptember 7, 2010 at 6:28 am
Symbicort is an inhaled corticosteroid medication used to prevent bronchospasm in people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Internationaldrugmart
MelanieAugust 12, 2010 at 2:06 pm
I was prescribed Advair in April 2010 after being diagnosed with Pneumonia and an exacerbation of my asthma. My internal medicine doctor told me Advair was a better drug for asthma than the older steroid inhalers because the powder got deep down into the lungs to treat the inflammatory response. He did tell me to be sure and gargle after each puff, which I did - twice deeply after each treatment. [Show More]I was prescribed Advair in April 2010 after being diagnosed with Pneumonia and an exacerbation of my asthma. My internal medicine doctor told me Advair was a better drug for asthma than the older steroid inhalers because the powder got deep down into the lungs to treat the inflammatory response. He did tell me to be sure and gargle after each puff, which I did - twice deeply after each treatment. I began to develop hoarseness and laryngitis intermittently in May, which became chronic in June, to the point where I often lost my voice. By the end of most days, my throat was very sore and other people could not understand me. This affected my lifestyle and most definitely my work. My internist diagnosed me with "chronic laryngitis" and referred me to an Ear Nose and Throat Specialist. The ENT doctor performed an "FOL" procedure, a scope to view my throat and larynx. He said my throat and larynx were very inflamed, that my throat and larynx "looked like a bomb had gone off in there" and diagnosed me with a severe fungal infection caused from using Advair. I am now off Advair and using Nystatin oral suspension to reverse the damage from this horrible drug. My internal medicine doctor will now need to prescribe an alternative, safer preventative asthma inhaler.
TimAugust 4, 2010 at 8:20 pm
My 9yr old son was diognosed with Asthma when he was 3. He had been using an rescue inhaler when needed and a nebulizer when the inhaler did not work as well. About at age 7 his dr had him start using Adviar 150 daily, on puff each morning. In Feb of 09 he had an asthma attack that his resue inhaler nor the nebulizer would work. Within a matter of 5 minutes he struggled with his breathing to the p[Show More]My 9yr old son was diognosed with Asthma when he was 3. He had been using an rescue inhaler when needed and a nebulizer when the inhaler did not work as well. About at age 7 his dr had him start using Adviar 150 daily, on puff each morning. In Feb of 09 he had an asthma attack that his resue inhaler nor the nebulizer would work. Within a matter of 5 minutes he struggled with his breathing to the point his fingers and lips were turning blue. As we waited for the resue squad he passed out with no heart beat, My wife and I administered CPR until the medics arrived. It took 62 minutes to get his Heart beating again only to have to pronounce him Brain dead. We donated his organs and are trying to conitiue our lives without him. This was the only "major" attach he had ever had. He had never been addmited to the Hospital for his asthma. If I had known then what I have found out now about Advair, My son may still be alive. I hope no one else with a loved one with asthma has to go through the Helpless feeling of having them Die in your arms,
bFebruary 24, 2010 at 3:25 pm
my mother was taking albuteral first..then it was off the market docs prescribe proair which we did'nt like did not work the same??? started taking advair aaround 07 3 times a day for what they THINK was copd... every 2-3 weeks she is in an abulance due to cant breath....why no one put two and two together was beyond me...finally last time she couldn't breathe EMS couldn't get into house for over [Show More]my mother was taking albuteral first..then it was off the market docs prescribe proair which we did'nt like did not work the same??? started taking advair aaround 07 3 times a day for what they THINK was copd... every 2-3 weeks she is in an abulance due to cant breath....why no one put two and two together was beyond me...finally last time she couldn't breathe EMS couldn't get into house for over 20min...her braind starved of oxygen . .. she died no brain activity..from what i have read the fda knew about the SMART study between 1996-2004 and shut advair down..too many deaths...if someone would of know about blacked boxed or even if I WAS AWARE OF IT maybe could of prevented my MOTHER'S DEATH in 2009!!!! TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE
Chris JFebruary 20, 2010 at 1:46 pm
I always read the inserts on all drugs, and this one scared me. While I was recovering from a serious infection, my doctor had given me a sample of Symbicort, and gave me a prescription for more. I used all of the sample, but was reluctant to fill the prescription, partly because I didn't feel much in the way of improvement. He said my fears about the warnings on the insert were unwarranted, so[Show More]I always read the inserts on all drugs, and this one scared me. While I was recovering from a serious infection, my doctor had given me a sample of Symbicort, and gave me a prescription for more. I used all of the sample, but was reluctant to fill the prescription, partly because I didn't feel much in the way of improvement. He said my fears about the warnings on the insert were unwarranted, so I went ahead and got another inhaler. While some of the inflamatioin went away, I had a nasty taste in my mouth, and no food or drink tasted right. Although I washed my mouth out thoroughly after each use, I felt like something was "growing" down in my throat and airway. I had difficulty breathing. I stopped using the product, and gradually my sense of taste returned. The feeling of something growing and blocking my airway went away. I am wondering if I had thrush in those areas which could not be washed out?
Susan YDecember 10, 2009 at 11:48 am
I have been asthmatic since i was 13. A week & a half ago I developed bronchitis. My dr gave me a sample of symbicort. It nearly killed me. Within 10 minutes of using the inhaler I was on my knees gasping, wheezing & calling 911. Very glad to be here. Will NEVER touch that crap again!
Karen MNovember 2, 2009 at 10:13 pm
I was put on Symbicort a few months ago and WAS thrilled because I was breathing much better with it. However, I almost immediately began having mild panic attacks when I had a trigger event. Wthin 6 weeks I was in full blown major Panic Attacks and had to stop using Symbicort. It took about 5 days to feel normal and I have not had another panic attach since stopping Symbicort. My specialist said [Show More]I was put on Symbicort a few months ago and WAS thrilled because I was breathing much better with it. However, I almost immediately began having mild panic attacks when I had a trigger event. Wthin 6 weeks I was in full blown major Panic Attacks and had to stop using Symbicort. It took about 5 days to feel normal and I have not had another panic attach since stopping Symbicort. My specialist said he had not heard of such a side effect but put me back on Advair. It doesn't work as well but at least I'm not waiting to be taken to the looney bin! lol.
TerryOctober 23, 2009 at 6:55 am
Symbicort stopped my heart. I was defib'd twice and was in a coma for three days.
NielsenOctober 15, 2009 at 12:59 am
I have adult asthma and allergies which I never experienced in my younger years. I am 43, and this all started when I was about 37. I have been using Advair to control asthma, but I have chronic sinusitis, which causes freuent infections... big problem for me, I am sa singer! When my sinusitis flares up, I have been using a methylprednisone pack. The pack works better than anything, however, I dev[Show More]I have adult asthma and allergies which I never experienced in my younger years. I am 43, and this all started when I was about 37. I have been using Advair to control asthma, but I have chronic sinusitis, which causes freuent infections... big problem for me, I am sa singer! When my sinusitis flares up, I have been using a methylprednisone pack. The pack works better than anything, however, I developed severe cataracts and had surgery in both my eyes this past June. The surgeon believed it was due to the prednisone as opposed to to Advair. Methylprednisone packs are an enormous amount of steroid to be taking. But hell.. it WORKS like you wouldn't believe, but for me, doesn't last. I get sinus infections every 3 months, and have t go on it again. Huge amounts of steriod to be taking... now, I have developed the beginnings of vocal nodules, this is a dead end for singers, so, today I was prescribed Sybicourt, to get me off of Advair because it is a powder that contacts the vocal chords, as opposed to a mist like Symbicourt, and might be better for me. I am TERRIFIED to begin taking it, I took my Advair this morning, and he wants me to start Symbicourt tonight.. I'm not going to do it, I am far too afraid... I'll wait till tomorrow night, and will not take the Advair in the morning. Any suggestions?
ALISAOctober 11, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I WAS PUT ON ADVAIR FEW YEARS BACK AND IT GAVE ME CHEST PAINS SO BAD THAT I HAD TO USE A HEATING PAD ON MY CHEST OR GET IN SHOWER LET THE HOTTEST WATER HIT MY BREAST . WAS PUT ON SPIVARA AND IT HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS WITH ME. AFTER AWHILE I WAS PUT ON SYMBICORT AND AFTER 2 WEEKS USAGE OF IT I STARTED HAVING PANIC ATTACKS AND SLEEPLESS NIGHTS STAYED UP FOR DAYS THAT I HAD TO START TAKING VIS[Show More]I WAS PUT ON ADVAIR FEW YEARS BACK AND IT GAVE ME CHEST PAINS SO BAD THAT I HAD TO USE A HEATING PAD ON MY CHEST OR GET IN SHOWER LET THE HOTTEST WATER HIT MY BREAST . WAS PUT ON SPIVARA AND IT HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS WITH ME. AFTER AWHILE I WAS PUT ON SYMBICORT AND AFTER 2 WEEKS USAGE OF IT I STARTED HAVING PANIC ATTACKS AND SLEEPLESS NIGHTS STAYED UP FOR DAYS THAT I HAD TO START TAKING VISTARIL SO I COULD SLEEP AND CALM DOWN FROM THE PANIC ATTACKS, QUIT TAKING IT AND I STOPPED ALL MY SYMPTOMS. PUT ON PULMICORT AND THE SAME THING PANIC ATTACKS AND NO SLEEP, I TOOK PULMICORT FOR AWHILE SO IT HAD TO WEAR OUT OF MY STSTEM, I'M JUST GETTING IT OUT OF MY SYSTEM AND BACK TO MY ALMOST REGULAR SELF , USEING BENADRAL NOW TO CALM DOWN AND CAUSE SLEEP .THANK YOU
TomJune 15, 2009 at 10:54 pm
I have been taking Advair for 5 years. I have just been diagnosed with severe glaucoma and catarats which will require immediate surgery. My eye doctor said it is absolutely caused by the Advair and could have been prevented. He was angry that my previous eye doctor never discovered the probem. I am suing the makers of Advair.
DianeMay 3, 2009 at 2:23 am
I have been on foradil for years. I recently was diagnosed with glaucoma and small cataracts. In just a few months the cataracts grew at an unusually quick rate. My glaucoma is not under control. I am losing my sight.
Sharia BApril 15, 2009 at 8:00 pm
I had asthma since 1999. I was placed on different asthma meds, such as Advair, Symbicort and predisone whenever I has an attack. While on Advair, I was placed on 250 and 500 doses, some improvement in asthma attacks. Then, my med was change to Symbicort an year ago. My attack has decrease. Proper asthma manament and staying inform about my asthma and meds which is needed to maintain a great[Show More]I had asthma since 1999. I was placed on different asthma meds, such as Advair, Symbicort and predisone whenever I has an attack. While on Advair, I was placed on 250 and 500 doses, some improvement in asthma attacks. Then, my med was change to Symbicort an year ago. My attack has decrease. Proper asthma manament and staying inform about my asthma and meds which is needed to maintain a great life is require. I will discuss this new infomation with my Dr in the future.
JoannaApril 15, 2009 at 3:12 am
I have a 6 yr old daughter who has had breathing problems and been on a nebulizer since she was 7 weeks old. She has has severe allergeries that trigger her asthma. She has been on Xopenex, Foriadil, and recently was placed on Symbicort by a childrens hospital and respitory specialist. However, everything I read says 12 and under should not be on this medication. Even with 3 daily doses of allergy[Show More]I have a 6 yr old daughter who has had breathing problems and been on a nebulizer since she was 7 weeks old. She has has severe allergeries that trigger her asthma. She has been on Xopenex, Foriadil, and recently was placed on Symbicort by a childrens hospital and respitory specialist. However, everything I read says 12 and under should not be on this medication. Even with 3 daily doses of allergy medications and two doses of Symbicort a day she still has to use her rescue inhaler occasionally. I am worried that I might need to take her off this medicine. Does anyone else have a child my age taking Symbicort?
GaryJanuary 11, 2009 at 12:27 am
Age 34. I have had Asthma since I was a kid. Done allergy shots along with everything else. Stopped the shots because they made me sick. Only had major problems in the summer time. Also had the problem of dyshydrotic (small blisters that form on the hands and feet that itch and burn) so bad it was difficult to even work. Hands always looked like bloody, skin pealing, oozing yeck. All doctors would[Show More]Age 34. I have had Asthma since I was a kid. Done allergy shots along with everything else. Stopped the shots because they made me sick. Only had major problems in the summer time. Also had the problem of dyshydrotic (small blisters that form on the hands and feet that itch and burn) so bad it was difficult to even work. Hands always looked like bloody, skin pealing, oozing yeck. All doctors would do was put me on prednisone (went to several doctors for opinions). Last doctor put me on Symbacort for my asthma for short turm use and guess what? My hands cleared up and I do not have problems with my asthma or hands. I am sure it does harm. Sure beats the stress and the thoughts of suicide because you loose your mind to your illness. Who knows how long we are to live. No one has ever missed there appointment with death. We take a chance with everything we do. I have heard of peaple dying from peanut butter, after eating from a resturant, car wreck, drinking and smoking. You coulld even have complications after the good ole common flu shot! These are common every day things to most peaple. Why not at least be able to enjoy life to begin with, Anything effects everyone differently.
jamesJanuary 5, 2009 at 1:28 am
im taking advair and symbicort for over two years . my eye sight and breathing has gotting worse. now what do i do?
SteveDecember 21, 2008 at 4:34 pm
I wonder how many of these comments are made by employees of the mentioned drug companies. My doc just prescribed Symbicort to me and now I'm hesitant to take it.
AllisonDecember 15, 2008 at 2:54 am
I was diagnosed with asthma when i was 13. Foradil was the first medication that I was prescribed to help prevent attacks. When the foridil was no longer enough to hold off attacks I was prescribed to take Pulmicort with it. I took both meds daily for about 4 years. Without it, I never would have been able to be a part of the track team. My first year of college, I switched over to advair. Afte[Show More]I was diagnosed with asthma when i was 13. Foradil was the first medication that I was prescribed to help prevent attacks. When the foridil was no longer enough to hold off attacks I was prescribed to take Pulmicort with it. I took both meds daily for about 4 years. Without it, I never would have been able to be a part of the track team. My first year of college, I switched over to advair. After being on advair for about 2 months, i experienced a few of the minor symptoms, and I was using my rescue inhaler a lot more. My doctor switched me to Symbicort, and I have been using it throughout my sophomore and junior year at school. I still run track, and I am so happy that Symbicort gives me the freedom i need to do what i want.
KATHLEENDecember 14, 2008 at 6:39 pm
I just called my pharmacist to make sure that my childrens asthma medications are not part of the recall and i was told that nothing was taken off the market at all. Why did the pharmacist not know about the medications listed in the above email? Our pharmacist was not helpful at all and i have two children that are on singular, proair and xopenex and i am assuming that those arent one of the [Show More]I just called my pharmacist to make sure that my childrens asthma medications are not part of the recall and i was told that nothing was taken off the market at all. Why did the pharmacist not know about the medications listed in the above email? Our pharmacist was not helpful at all and i have two children that are on singular, proair and xopenex and i am assuming that those arent one of the medications on the list, at least i hope so. The pharmacist said he could not help me anymore. I am a concerned parent and i hope that my xopenex and proair inhalers my children use are not affected. my son was on symbicort and was taken off the symbicort awhile ago. since then i do not have an allergist because the allergist i was using just dropped my kids and refuses to treat them and every other allergist i call wants their own set of allergy tests and my children already had allergy tests done several months ago, so it is impossible to even find a new allergist until my insurance will pay for new allergy tests. if something gets recalled unless i have the news on or see it in the paper i would not have a clue what is recalled. if you have any information about singular chewables and the proair and xopenenx i want to verify that they are safe. i had some reservations about singular given at night bevcause of the side effects so i give to my two children in the morning. If i have a concern it is my right to have it addressed but our pharmacist was not able to answer our questions.
JackieDecember 13, 2008 at 3:40 am
I had a call from a neighbor saying the Symbicort was being pulled. I paniced because it has given me back freedom. I use Symbicort twice a day and Zyflo tablets twice a day. A great combination for me. Glad to hear the recall is tied more to individuals under the age of 18. Glad to be 48!!!!
FDA Panel Indicates Foradil and Serevent Should Not Be Used for Asthma : AboutLawsuits.comDecember 12, 2008 at 8:45 pm
[...] to the FDA advisory panel meeting, several agency officials suggested that the use of long-acting beta agonists, either with or without the inhaled steroids, should be limited. Two FDA officials concluded that none of the drugs should be given to asthma patients of any age, [...]
CarolDecember 12, 2008 at 7:55 pm
My current doctor help invent Advair. He is also pushing Xolair as well. He was part of the team that had invented and clinical tested it. I am not sure about the Xolair. I take advair now along with several other asthma/allergy medications. The list is ridiculous.
AgnesDecember 12, 2008 at 5:09 pm
I have been on Advair for four years. It has helped keep my asthma under control, but within the last two years, I have been experiencing heart palpitations. I wonder could this be the beginning of a possible heart condition
KristinDecember 12, 2008 at 3:14 am
Removal of medications that make daily living easier for thousands, even millions of people is irresponsible and dangerous. All medications have side effects. Whether they are synthetic or natural, nothing is "safe". For those who have finally been able to manage symptoms that have made usual activities difficult, the risks may far outweigh the benefits. I speak from experience. I had childhood as[Show More]Removal of medications that make daily living easier for thousands, even millions of people is irresponsible and dangerous. All medications have side effects. Whether they are synthetic or natural, nothing is "safe". For those who have finally been able to manage symptoms that have made usual activities difficult, the risks may far outweigh the benefits. I speak from experience. I had childhood asthma that disappeared in my late teens and early 20s. At age 26, it came back. I have been on multiple medications and have found that Symbicort is the best thing for me so far. I can breathe and don't have episodes of breathlessness that require use of a rescue inhaler. Perhaps the FDA needs to contact some of the users of the medications they want to recall and get their opinions. After all what were human trials for? No one knows long term effects, but we live in a world where anything is a potential killer. I say I'll take my chances with the inhalers!
gaetanoDecember 12, 2008 at 1:48 am
now have a fast and irregular heartbeat i belive i got from using foradil aerolizer
LisaDecember 11, 2008 at 3:33 am
My 14 year old daughter's dr had her on every asthma medicine out there over a span of 6 years advair and symbacort. When i told her i had quit giving them to her due to them making her breathing much worse she told me to continue giving them to her because that was impossible so i did. Then when the effects were the same she finally had her tested for asthma and she didnt have asthma and now she [Show More]My 14 year old daughter's dr had her on every asthma medicine out there over a span of 6 years advair and symbacort. When i told her i had quit giving them to her due to them making her breathing much worse she told me to continue giving them to her because that was impossible so i did. Then when the effects were the same she finally had her tested for asthma and she didnt have asthma and now she may have heart problems. Her dr refused to refer her to pulmonologist to have her heart checked. My daughter is still having pains in her chest and her dr has now told us "call another dr".