FDA Warns Against Sole Use of Long-Acting Beta Agonists in Asthma

from Medscape

Long-acting beta agonists should not be used alone in asthma, the FDA warns. The drugs at issue include the single-agent LABAs Serevent and Foradil.

Because LABAs have been associated with severe worsening of symptoms, the agency is requiring that labels carry the following guidance:

  • LABAs are contraindicated without the use of a controller medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid.
  • Long-term use is only indicated for patients whose disease doesn’t respond to controller medications.
  • LABAs should be used for the shortest period possible.
  • To ensure compliance, children and adolescents should only use LABAs that contain an inhaled corticosteroid.

The recommendations do not apply to use of LABAs in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

LINK:

FDA Announces New Safety Controls for LABAS

AAAAI: What do you do now? Use of LABAS in light of the recent FDA decision