The drug, Daliresp, is designed to prevent the episodes which make it so hard for COPD sufferers to breath, according to its developer, Forest Laboratories, Inc.
It works by blocking the chemical compounds which can close down the bronchial tubes in the lungs. Its maker says the drug is not a bronchodilator, and shouldn't be used for acute bronchial spasms.
Daliresp does have some side effects, such as nausea, headaches, and diarrhea. In the clinical trials, about 6 per cent of the users said they had adverse reactions, including insomnia, anxiety, and depression. About 7 per cent reported weight loss. The drug shouldn't be taken by people with moderate to severe liver impairment.
Forest Labs says Daliresp should be in pharmacies sometime after April 1st.
