Terbutaline or Brethine Can Cause Heart Problems and Even Death During Pregnancy. Does Your Obstetrician Know This?

On February 17, 2011, the FDA alerted doctors, obstetricians, nurses, and healthcare providers that the drug Terbutaline, also known as Brethine, Bricanyl, Brethaire, or Terbulin, which is often administered to women in premature labor or preterm labor, can cause heart problems and even death due to the cardiac problems it may cause.

Brethine or Terbutaline are medications that are frequently used to relax or calm down the respiratory airways in patients with asthma, bronchitis, COPD, or emphysema. In addition, Brethine or Terbutaline are also frequently administered to help stop preterm labor or premature labor. They are also given to pregnant women who are experiencing uterine hyperstimulation or an over active uterus while in labor.Dr. Scott Monroe, M.D., the director of the FDA’s division of Reproductive and Urologic Products was quoted as saying, “Women should be aware that serious and sometimes fatal side effects have been reported after prolonged use of Terbutaline in pregnant women.”

So far, there have been 16 documented maternal deaths during or shortly after delivery that have been linked to the use of Terbutaline or Brethine during pregnancy. There have also been 12 documented cases of pregnant women who suffered a heart attack, fast heart rate or tachycardia, pulmonary edema, irregular heart beats or cardiac arrhythmias after receiving Terbutaline or Brethine during pregnancy. However, these are just the documented cases of life altering or catastrophic heart problems that women suffered after receiving Terbutaline or Brethine. How many more mothers suffered the same fate and were just told they developed post-partum cardiomyopathy or some other heart problem just due to the pregnancy itself?

Since 1958, the nationally known Beasley product liability law firm has been awarded over $2 Billion dollars on behalf of families just like yours that have been injured. We have specialized teams of nurses and doctors on staff that have over 42 years of being right at the bedside and caring for women before, during, and after giving birth. Our collective knowledge and experience assisted in obtaining two of the largest verdicts in Pennsylvania history, $907 million and $104 million, as well as countless other multimillion dollar awards and confidential settlements.

If you or a loved one has suffered a heart problem or wrongful death due to Trebutaline or Brethine, contact one of our experienced Pennsylvania drug injury lawyers. As always, we offer a zero fee guarantee which means that if we don’t make a recovery on your behalf, you don’t owe us a dime. We always offer a free, no obligation consultation.