Respiratory Rally

Mistakenly Swallowing Inhaler Capsules (May 2008)

FDA has issued an advisory about the danger of mistakenly swallowing Spiriva (tiotropium bromide inhalation powder) and Foradil (formoterol fumarate inhalation powder) inhalation capsules. These capsules are intended to be used with inhalation devices to treat patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

FDA and the American ociation of Poison Control Centers have received many reports of patients swallowing these capsules. This may occur because the capsules resemble those taken by mouth. Not many patients have suffered side effects from swallowing the capsules, but their respiratory problems will not be treated if the drugs are taken orally rather than inhaled.

Warn patients not to swallow Spiriva or Foradil capsules. Remind them that the capsules should be removed from the blister pack and placed in the inhalation device – for Spiriva, it’s the HandiHaler, and for Foradil, the Aerolizer. Advise them to follow the instructions that come with the prescription. And if the breathing condition of patients using Spiriva or Foradil does not improve, ask whether they are swallowing the medicine rather than inhaling it.

Additional Information:

FDA MedWatch Safety Alert. Spiriva (tiotropium bromide inhalation powder) Capsules Foradil (formoterol fumarate inhalation powder) Capsules. February 29, 2008.
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Spiriva

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