Dr. Fortune Alabi has authored an informative article which explains the controversy surrounding asthma treatments such as the well publicized “Advair.”  He has provided a wealth of information not only for asthma patients but also for their health care professionals.

The title of the article poses the question,  “Is the Fear of Long-Acting Beta Agonists (LABA) Justified?”    

In preface to his remarks he writes, “It is not uncommon to be asked by patients about the safety of Advair and other drugs in this class. Attorneys are currently seeking so-called “victims” of Advair and foradil injury for a class action lawsuit.

Are these claims outrageous? Should we change our prescribing patterns?
What should we tell our patients?”

The article then explains the make-up of the drug,  the history of it, the legislation concerning it, and how it should be prescribed.  He states, 

 “The Advair Diskus inhaler, which is used to treat asthma, contains a combination of fluticasone and salmeterol. This combination works synergistically to control asthma inflammation and reduce the frequency of exacerbations. Advair was approved by the FDA in 2000, and subsequently, on November 15, 2005, the FDA issued a public health advisory about potentially fatal side-effects from two GlaxoSmithKline asthma drugs.”

His caution to physicians is clearly stated: “Patients with moderate and severe persistent asthma would benefit from LABA in addition to inhaled steroids. In my mind there is no place for monotherapy with LABA. Occasionally, I still see physicians place patients on foradil alone for asthma. This practice should be discouraged until we have more data that goes against the findings in SMART. We should also remember to de-escalate therapy when appropriate.”

 In his conclusion, Dr. Alabi reminds us  that “Patients with asthma require regular ongoing care with periodic examination and follow-up.” 

This advice can be utilized by caregivers as well as the patients themselves.  Read the article entire article and Dr. Alabi‘s research sources in our convenient Resources Pages. 

A VERY SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  

It is the perfect time of year for us to express our appreciation for our patients, friends and blog-readers.

The Florida, Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists are sending  their sunny holiday wishes from the beaches of  Orlando, across the nation and around the globe.

 The entire staff joins with the doctors in the hope that you and your families will enjoy a Holiday Season full of happiness, safety and health.

May you enjoy a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, and a Glorious Kwanzaa!