The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Surfaxin ( lucinactant ) for the prevention of respiratory distress syndrome ( RDS ), a breathing disorder that affects premature infants. The lungs of premature infants are not able to make enough surfactant, a liquid that coats the inside of the lungs and helps to keep them open. Without enough surfactant, the lungs collapse and the infant has difficulty breathing. Most babies who develop RDS show signs of breathing problems and a lack of oxygen at birth or within the first few hours after birth. Surfaxin is the fifth drug approved i...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is notifying the public that the smoking cessation aid Chantix ( varenicline ) may be associated with a small, increased risk of certain cardiovascular adverse events in patients who have cardiovascular disease.

As part of an international agreement to discontinue the use of chlorofluorocarbons that damage the environment, a leading over-the-counter asthma inhaler will not be available next year.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved roflumilast , a pill taken daily to decrease the frequency of flare-ups (exacerbations) or worsening of symptoms from severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ).