The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

In an effort to lower risks and complications that lead to hospitalization or death for asthma sufferers, the Food and Drug Administration has called for limits to four of these drugs. The manufacturers for Advair, Foradil, Serevent, and Symbicort must now add warning labels to their product on these long-lasting bronchial drugs.

The asthma medication contains long-acting beta agonists, called LABAs, as well as inhaled corticosteroids. The FDA has urged physicians to move away from LABAs and use only corticosteroids or other asthma-relieving medication on their patients. If patients cannot control their asthma in any other way, they should use LABAs for the shortest amount of time possible. The FDA states LABAs should never be used to treat asthma alone in adults and children. The agency states that around 95% of LABA users combine products to treat their asthma.

In addition to treating the asthma of millions of people, LABAs are also used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchial spasms due to exercise.

Clinical trials show that LABAs carry an increased risk of actually aggravating asthma symptoms. They relax bronchial muscles to allow more air flow, and provide immediate relief to asthma sufferers. However, they do not address the underlying inflammation, which can lead to life-threatening conditions.

While the FDA has told manufacturers to add warning labels, they do not advocate pulling LABAs. Instead, they say the products are useful, but a conservative approach should be used to treat America's nearly 23 million asthma sufferers.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective pharmaceutical, please contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Cochran Firm. We serve clients nationwide.