Spiriva Lawsuit | Get Free Evaluation

If you or a loved one experienced respiratory complications, heart problems, or other serious side effects following the use of Spiriva inhalers, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. At Schmidt&Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to dangerous pharmaceutical products. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Schmidt&Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

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If you or a loved one experienced serious side effects after using Spiriva, you may be entitled to compensation.

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Spiriva Lawsuit Overview

Spiriva inhalers may increase the risk of dying by up to 52 percent according to recent research [1]. The increased risk was shown to occur in patients who used the Spiriva Respimat inhaler, which delivers a soluble form of the drug known generically as tiotropium. Spiriva is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. The FDA denied approval for the Respimat inhaler after receiving information linking tiotropium to an abnormally high number of deaths.

Latest Spiriva Lawsuit Updates

June 15, 2011

- A new study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that the risk of unexpected death in individuals using the Respimat inhaler was 52 percent higher than in patients who were treated with a placebo. The meta-analysis involved five clinical trials with approximately 6,500 test subjects [1].

2010 - More than 500,000 Spiriva prescriptions were written for COPD sufferers in Britain alone.

FDA Reports and Statistics

The FDA issued a press release in March 2008 warning the public about an increased risk of stroke associated with the Spiriva HandiHaler. According to the announcement, a meta-analysis of 39 trials found that individuals treated with Spiriva for over a year faced an increased risk of certain side effects, including stroke [2].

Data reviewed for 13,500 patients with COPD indicated that approximately eight out of every 1,000 individuals suffered a stroke side effect, compared with six out of every 1,000 who suffered a stroke while taking a placebo.

Spiriva Injuries & Side Effects

Spiriva users have reported numerous serious side effects requiring medical attention. You should stop using Spiriva and seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following side effects:

Hives: Allergic reactions manifesting as skin welts
Difficulty breathing: Paradoxical bronchospasm or respiratory distress
Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat: Signs of severe allergic reactions
Tongue swelling or redness: Potential allergic reaction
Sores or white patches in the mouth, lips, or tongue: Signs of infection or irritation
Urinating less than usual: Potential kidney issues
Dry mouth: Common anticholinergic effect
Cough: Paradoxical reaction to inhaler
Increased risk of stroke: Especially in patients with pre-existing conditions
Increased risk of cardiac events: Particularly in those with existing heart problems

Do You Qualify for a Spiriva Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Spiriva lawsuit if:

You used Spiriva Respimat inhaler or Spiriva HandiHaler
You experienced serious side effects including stroke, cardiac events, or death of a loved one
The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to Spiriva use

Evidence Required for a Spiriva Lawsuit

To strengthen your Spiriva lawsuit, you will need to provide:

Medical records documenting your COPD diagnosis
Proof of Spiriva prescription and usage
Medical documentation of injuries allegedly caused by Spiriva
Timeline connecting Spiriva use to the onset of side effects

Damages You Can Recover

In a successful Spiriva lawsuit, you may recover compensation for:

Medical expenses related to treating side effects
Lost wages due to inability to work
Pain and suffering caused by injuries
Funeral expenses in wrongful death cases
Punitive damages against the manufacturer if applicable

About Spiriva

Spiriva is typically prescribed to prevent wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficult breathing in individuals with COPD. It is in a class of medications called bronchodilators that work by relaxing and opening the air passages to the lungs to make breathing easier.

Spiriva is available in several different forms:

as a powder (Spiriva, Boehringer Ingelheim and Pfizer);
delivered via a Handihaler device (Boehringer Ingelheim and Pfizer);
in mist form delivered via the Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler (Boehringer Ingelheim and Pfizer), which is recommended for patients with poor manual dexterity.

"What we think is going on is that the mist inhaler is delivering a higher concentration of tiotropium than it should be and that may be increasing the risk of death,"

Dr. Sonal Singh of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, who led the study, said in a statement [2].

"We estimate that there will be one additional death for every 124 patients treated for a year with tiotropium Respimat," Dr. Yoon Loke of Norwich Medical School at the University of East Anglia, who worked on the study, said in a statement [3].

Individuals at highest risk seem to be those dying of heart trouble, especially for those with existing heart problems that may be made worse with the use of Spiriva.

If You Are Taking Spiriva

Before taking Spiriva, tell your doctor if you are allergic to atropine or its derivatives (such as ipratropium or oxitropium), or if you have any other allergies. Spiriva may contain inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions and other problems.

Additionally, tell your doctor if you have a family medical history of any of the following issues:

glaucoma (narrow-angle)
prostate enlargement (BPH or cancer)
difficulty urinating
severe kidney disease

Statute of Limitations for Spiriva Lawsuits

The time you have to file a Spiriva lawsuit varies by state but typically ranges from 1-3 years from the date you discovered or should have reasonably discovered your injury was related to Spiriva use. Consulting with an attorney promptly is essential to ensure you don't miss these critical deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spiriva Respimat approved in the United States?

Initially, the FDA denied approval for Spiriva Respimat after receiving information linking tiotropium to an abnormally high number of deaths. However, the approval status may have changed since the original research was published.

What is the difference between Spiriva HandiHaler and Respimat?

The HandiHaler delivers tiotropium as a dry powder, while the Respimat delivers it as a fine mist. Research suggests the Respimat may deliver a higher concentration of the medication, potentially increasing risk.

Can I file an individual lawsuit instead of joining a class action in the Spiriva case?

Yes, you can file an individual lawsuit if you prefer not to join a class action. This might be beneficial if your case involves unique or severe circumstances.

What steps should I take if I've been harmed by using Spiriva?

Seek medical attention for your health issues, document your symptoms and any related incidents, keep all records of medical treatments, and consult with an attorney to discuss your legal options.

How long does it typically take to resolve a Spiriva lawsuit?

The duration can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the number of plaintiffs, and whether the case goes to trial. It could take several months to several years.

Can I still use my Spiriva inhaler while pursuing a lawsuit?

This is a medical decision that should be made with your healthcare provider. Never discontinue prescribed medication without consulting your doctor first.

Are there alternative treatments for COPD that don't carry these risks?

There are several alternative treatments for COPD. Consult with your healthcare provider about options such as other bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, or combination therapies.

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Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action regarding Spiriva-related injuries. Most states only allow 1-3 years from the date of injury or discovery to file a claim. Don't delay in seeking the compensation you deserve.

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