FDA Calls for Limits on Asthma Drugs 

National Jewish Health physicians are aware of the information released recently by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and their ongoing concern around potential adverse effects related to long-acting beta-agonists (LABA). To our knowledge, there is no new information that increases our concerns around the safety of LABA. We view LABA as an important treatment to manage moderate to severe asthma.

In view of the FDA concern regarding adverse effects, we limit the use of LABA to those who need it to achieve and maintain asthma control. We never treat with LABAs alone and always use them in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid. Physicians step up and step down treatment according to the national asthma guidelines. This treatment strategy is in agreement with the recommendation by the FDA to utilize LABA for the time required to achieve and maintain asthma control.

Although the drugs are also approved for use in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), this warning only applies to their use by asthma patients.

If you have any questions regarding LABA therapy, please discuss these concerns with your physician before discontinuing LABA therapy, especially when it is prescribed in combination form with an inhaled corticosteroid.