FDA's New Restrictions on LABA for Asthma Patients, Some Believe Alternative Health is the Answer

On Thursday February 18, 2010, the FDA issued new restrictions over the use of four widely used asthma medications-Serevent, Symbicort, Foradil, and Advair. The new restrictions state that these drugs should only be used as a last resort when other medications arent effective. The FDA also recommends that these drugs should be used for only the shortest time possible.

Additionally, further restrictions are placed on drugs that contain LABAs (Long Acting Beta Agonist), including Serevent and Foradil. The FDA says that drugs containing LABA should only be used in conjunction with other asthma medications, such as an inhaled steroid.

LABA medications are effective for treating day to day ashtma problems but may mask more severe symptoms of a serious asthma attack. This increases the chances of hospitalization or even death for those taking these medications.

The risks are higher in children and teens. According to the FDA's Web site, Diane Murphy, M. D., director of the FDAs Office of Pediatric Therapeutics, said, "The risks of hospitalization and poor outcomes are of particular concern for children; parents need to know that their child with asthma should not be on a LABA alone."

Manufacturers are now required to change labeling for these and perform clinical studies to assess the safety and effectiveness of these LABA asthma medications when used with other asthma medications.

When children and teens are in need of LABAs, they should be prescribed a product that contains both the LABA medication and an inhaled steroid, ensuring compliance with the new guidelines.

Although other drugs contain LABAs, the FDA does not require any label changes for them. These drugs are not used for asthma patients, so they do not pose a risk.

The new recommendation may pose the question for parents of ashtma patients- Is there a way to avoid the need for medication altogether?

According to some alternative health experts, the answer is yes. Many holistic believe that lifestyle changes should be made to eliminate asthma problems before patients turn to medication. According to the Mayo Clinic, several things can be done to reduce or eliminate asthma symptoms, such as dietary changes, breathing exercises, physical exercise and use of herbs.

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma-treatment/AS00032

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm200931.htm

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-02-18-asthma-inhalers_N.htm?csp=usat.me

http://www.medpagetoday.com/ProductAlert/Prescriptions/18552