NEWS: October 2, 2008.

According to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, those using the Spiriva Handihaler or a generic inhaler called ipratropium, could face an increased risk of cardiac death, heart attacks or strokes when compared with those who received a placebo or other drugs.

Spiriva Handihaler (tiotropium) is an inhaled medication from Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc. and jointly marketed by Boehringer and Pfizer Inc. in the U.S. It was approved in 2004 as a once-daily long-term treatment of bronchospasm linked with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Ipratropium is the generic name for Atrovent, which is also manufactured by Boehringer. It was approved in 1998 for treatment of COPD.

Researchers analyzed data from 17 randomized studies, comparing mainly older people on either drug to those on placebos or other drugs. It was found that patients on Spiriva or ipratropium had a 58% higher risk of developing heart problems, both fatal and nonfatal, including heart attacks.

If you or someone you know has been hurt or injured from a Spiriva Handihaler click here.