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COPD Drug Atrovent Linked to Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

Atrovent, an inhaler commonly used to treat patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dramatically increases the risk of heart attack and cardiovascular death. A Wake Forest University medical study released in September 2008 showed that ipratropium bromide monhydrate, the active ingredient in Atrovent, resulted in a 53 percent increased risk of heart attack, an 80 percent greater risk of cardiovascular death, and a 46 percent increased risk of stroke. Ipratropium bromide monohydrate is also available in generic form.

If you or a loved one was prescribed Atrovent or generic ipratropium bromide monohydrate and suffered a heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death, you may have rights. You should speak with a qualified lawyer from Mark & Associates, P.C. as quickly as possible to ensure that your legal rights are protected. Mark & Associates, P.C. represents people across the United States who have been injured by dangerous drugs. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to discuss your case. Contact us today by submitting the case inquiry form on our website or by calling 1-866-50- RIGHTS (1-866-507-4448).

What is Atrovent?

Atrovent is a bronchodilator aerosol that uses the active ingredient ipratropium bromide monhydrate to reopen narrowed airways and improve breathing in patients with COPD. Atrovent was FDA-approved in 1998 and has been used by millions of people worldwide.

Recent University Study Links Atrovent to Increased Health Risks

In September 2008, a study conducted by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. found a link between the Atrovent and a greatly increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death. The study focused on patients who took the inhaler for a month.

The researchers pooled data from 17 international studies involving 14,783 people and compared the health risks for people who used Atrovent and a similar drug, the Spiriva Handihaler, to treat COPD symptoms to risks for people who took other inhaled medications for the condition.

The study found people who used Atrovent or the Spiriva Handihaler had an elevated risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death when compared to people taking the generic drug albuterol, salmeterol (marketed by GlaxoSmithKline Plcas Serevent), or the combination of fluticasone and salmeterol (marketed by Glaxo as Advair), or a placebo.

Free Legal Consultation

If you or a loved one was prescribed Atrovent or generic ipratropium bromide monhydrate for COPD or another cardiovascular condition and suffered a heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death, it is important to speak with a qualified personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Recent medical research has linked Atrovent to increased health risks. The experienced, aggressive attorneys at Mark & Associates, P.C. represent people injured by dangerous drugs. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to discuss your case. Contact us today by submitting the case inquiry form on our website or by calling 1-866-50- RIGHTS (1-866-507-4448).