Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) are used for the treatment of asthma and COPD. However, these drugs have come under greater scrutiny in the recent past and will now be subject to new labeling requirement.

Now the FDA has said that these drugs must say on their labels that they should not be used on a long-term basis unless a patient cannot get control of their condition with inhaled steroids – which are the gold standard of treatment for asthma and other breathing conditions. In addition, patients will also read on the new labels that LABAs should not be used alone for asthma control but must be combined with other medications like inhaled steroids.

At issue is the fact that LABAs may be associated with asthma symptoms becoming worse over time. These medications have been linked to hospital visits, intubations and even death.

Source: Medscape Today