FDA Urges Consumers to Follow New Usage Recommendations of Certain Asthma Inhalers (Advair, Servent, Etc.)

After carefully reviewing recent studies of Asthma inhalers containing Long-Acting Beta-Agonists, (LABAs), the FDA has issued new usage guidelines, and is urging consumers and physicians to limit the use of the drugs in order to avoid adverse side effects, including heart attack and death.

The agency is asking the manufacturers of LABAs to issue new labels reflecting the information in addition to conducting independent studies to further examine the side effects associated with long-term use of LABAs.

The drugs affected by FDA’s recent press release include single-ingredient products Serevent and Foradil, as well as combination medications Advair and Symbicort.

Intro to Advair, Servent, Foradil and Symbicort - How LABAs Work

LABAs generally are taken through an inhaler to relax the muscles of the airways, allowing unrestricted airflow to the lungs. The effects of LABAs last for approximately 12 hours and do not treat the sudden onset of an asthma attack.

LABAs also may be used to relieve symptoms of a lung condition known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and exercise-induced bronchospasm.

LABAs Side Effects, New Guidelines – What’s Next for Advair?

According to the announcement released by the FDA, LABAs may lead to a worsening of asthma symptoms, heart attack and even death, when used alone over a long period of time.

The agency has issued the following guidelines:

• LABAs should not be used alone in treatment of asthma in children or adults
• When LABAs are needed, they should be used for the shortest period possible

These guidelines will effect future marketing of popular drugs like Advair and Symbicort.

LABAs Lawsuits

Patients who may have experienced worsening of asthma symptoms, heart attack or death following long-term use of LABAs, may be eligible to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim against the manufacturers.

Pharmaceutical companies have an obligation to properly warn consumers of any adverse side effects associated with their products. Failure to do so is considered negligent and the responsible party may be held liable for any harm caused as a result.

If you or a loved one has been injured following LABAs treatment, please call AWKO, Florida’s premier defective drug attorneys, at (888) 225-2956.