FDA's new recommendations on asthma medications
On Feb. 19, 2010, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released new regulations that state long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) should not be used alone in the treatment of asthma; they must be used in combination with asthma controller medicines. Read the full article here.
What are LABAs?
Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) are a type of drug that relaxes the muscle bands around the airways, which allows you to breathe in and out more easily. They are usually effective for up to 12 hours.
LABAs include the single agent products Serevent® and Foradil® and combination medications Advair® and Symbicort®.
How are they used?
People with chronic lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are sometimes prescribed LABAs as part of their regular medication plan.
What is the FDA recommending?
The FDA stated that LABAs should never be used alone in the treatment of asthma; they must be used in combination with asthma controller medicines.
LABAs can still be used in a number of instances, including:
- When they are used with an asthma controller medicine such as an inhaled corticosteroid. This includes single-agent and combination products.
- When they are used for the shortest possible time to control asthma. (Use should be discontinued when asthma symptoms are controlled on an asthma controller medicine.)
- In pediatric and adolescent patients in a combination product that includes an inhaled corticosteroid and LABA.
- When asthma controller medicines alone do not control symptoms.
This recommendation is based on recent studies that reported an increased risk of asthma exacerbations, which led to hospitalizations and deaths among people who are only taking LABA medications.
I'm currently taking one of these drugs. Should I stop taking it?
You should never stop taking a prescribed medication without talking with your health care provider first. Your provider can talk with you about your specific symptoms and medical needs, and he or she may suggest alternative medications. Together, you can decide the best treatment plan for your personal situation.
To learn more about asthma, visit our Asthma page.
For more information, contact Maureen Damitz:
Email Maureen
312-628-0229
