Long Acting Beta Agonist ('LABA") Advisory

On Feb. 17, the FDA issued a statement that asthma medications containing a long acting beta agonist (“LABA”), will have new safety warnings added to their package insert. These medications include Advair, Symbicort, Foradil and Serevent.

The physicians of Certified Allergy & Asthma Consultants are very familiar with the data that the FDA used to require the new safety warning. We will continue to monitor scientific reports about these medications as they are released. It is our opinion at the present time that LABAs are safe and effective if they are used along with an inhaled steroid. Advair and Symbicort contain both the LABA and the inhaled steroid in one device. They are known as combination medications. Serevent and Foradil do not contain an inhaled steroid, so an inhaled steroid must be provided by separate prescription.

We urge patients to continue with their medications as prescribed by their doctor to control their asthma. Before stopping any asthma medication, please talk with your doctor. Discontinuing medications without the advice of a physician can result in increased asthma symptoms and possibly an asthma attack.