AAAAI Clarifies Appropriate Use Of LABAs

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Article Date: 17 Dec 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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A Food and Drug Administration advisory panel is set to meet tomorrow to discuss the future of a class of drugs often used to treat asthma.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) advises continued use of long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) with appropriate patients when prescribed as part of an asthma treatment plan.

The AAAAI believes that LABAs have a favorable risk/benefit ratio with proven positive clinical outcomes, as outlined in The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR-3).

Asthma is one of the most common chronic health problems in the United States, impacting the lives of more than 20 million people and their families. Asthma causes airways within the lungs to tighten and swell which, in turn, restricts airflow and the supply of oxygen.

There are two primary forms of treatment for asthma. "Controllers," such as inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), reduce the inflammation, and "relievers," such as short-acting beta agonists (often called bronchodilators), treat the airway constrictions. Treating the underlying inflammation and relieving or preventing muscle contraction in the airways is necessary for most patients to control their asthma and prevent symptoms. Inhaled short-acting beta agonists should be taken only as needed and are not intended for daily use.

This approach to medication is affirmed in EPR-3. The report states that patients with persistent asthma (e.g., patients who have symptoms more than twice a week during the day or more than twice a month at night) need both long-term control medications to control asthma and prevent exacerbations, as well as quick relief medications for symptoms as needed. For many asthma patients, a daily treatment plan combining corticosteroid use with LABAs is recommended to control asthma symptoms and prevent life-threatening attacks. The guidelines were updated in 2007 to reflect the latest evidence on effectiveness and safety.

The addition of LABAs to inhaled corticosteroids has shown more favorable outcomes in controlling asthma than the use of higher doses of inhaled corticosteroids used alone, according to the majority of clinical trials. In fact, as the use of LABA inhalers has increased, the rate of asthma-related deaths has decreased.

The FDA's recent hearing has raised awareness of the drugs used to treat asthma and has generated some confusion among patients and their families. The AAAAI recommends contacting your allergist or primary care physician if you are concerned about your medication. For educational information about asthma or to find an allergist/immunologist in your area, visit http://www.aaaai.org.

The AAAAI represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has nearly 6,500 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries.

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology