More Concern From FDA on Asthma Medications

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to be concerned about the safety of asthma medications that contain long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs). These medications provide for long-term relaxation of the muscles in the lungs, and include medications such as Advair, Symbicort, Foradil and Serevent. The FDA is looking at safety data for LABAs, which have been shown to cause worsening asthma symptoms in people not also using an inhaled steroid. Advair and Symbicort contain a LABA and an inhaled steroid, and have not been shown to worsen asthma.

If you use one of the above medications and are concerned about the safety of these medications, it is extremely important to continue taking your asthma medications until you can discuss the issue with your doctor. Abruptly stopping your asthma medications may result in a dangerous asthma attack.

Read more:

• Safety of Advair
• More on FDAs Black-Box Warnings
• Treatments for Asthma