FDA Issues Warning On 4 Widely-Used Asthma Drugs

[OhioChick]

Source: AP

Gov't Says Drugs Should Never Be Used Without Other Asthma Controllers

1:30 pm EST February 18, 2010

WASHINGTON -- The government is issuing new restrictions on some widely used long-acting asthma drugs, saying they should never be used without other asthma controllers to prevent a life-threatening risk.

Four medications -- Foradil, Serevent, Advair and Symbicort -- contain an ingredient that relaxes muscles in the lung's airways. While they're very helpful for some patients, the way they work also may mask symptoms that can trigger serious asthma attacks. It's a particular concern for children.

The Food and Drug Administration ordered new labels saying the drugs should be used for the shortest possible duration -- and only together with other medications such as inhaled steroids that work differently, by relieving airway inflammation.

Read more: http://www.newsnet5.com/health/22601846/detail.html

[Donnachaidh]

1. IIRC at least one of them lists *death* as a side effect. Death by asthma attack

They run their ads non-stop in my area.

[Mika]

2. And, if you experience this side effect, stop using the drug and consult your Dr.

:crazy:

---

[elehhhhna]

8. And they say it in the ad. They advertise that death is a side effect.

Sure, they are required to disclose this, but they STILL run ads. Geez.

[iamtechus]

3. This report is somewhat misleading

Advair contains a combination of drugs which treat both causes of asthma symptoms.

Advair Diskus contains a combination of salmeterol, a bronchodilator of the beta-2 agonist type, and fluticasone propionate, an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid.

http://www.medicinenet.com/fluticasone_and_salmeterol_oral_inhaler/article.htm

[XemaSab]

4. Well that's really great

:banghead:

[Stuart G]

5. About Advair....causes another side effect...cancer of tongue..

I took this one.. doctor who prescribed it failed to tell me you gotta wash mouth after every single use.

Yea,,,every use..so got tongue cancer...lots of fun.
3 surgeries...am currently cancer free for 3 years...oh, and I don't use Advair anymore....you know, you can't make this shit up

[MorganaSeawalker]

6. Wishing you well.

Advair, 18 months, 100 lbs uncontrolled weight gain, and $11,000.00 in ongoing dental recovery work. Wrecks your teeth. They don't tell you that either.

[WriteDown]

7. Don't see that listed as a side effect. Was it on the dispenser? nt

[elehhhhna]

10. oh. my. god. they shoudl certainly disclose THAT in their ads.

so sorry. hope you're considering pursuing this w/ an attorney.

[Dappleganger]

13. We have always rinsed well after using...

but then again it says so in the pamphlet and on their website.

I'm sorry you got tongue cancer. :(

[cutlassmama]

9. Sure as hell glad I read DU! No one bothered telling me about this

shit. Been using it for YEARS, along with my inhaler.:mad:

[Rhiannon12866]

11. K&R. Terrific! I've used two of them...

And Advair is meant to be used long-term for maintenance, rather than waiting until you need to use a rescue (Albuterol) inhaler. It's worked well for me. :-(

[Dappleganger]

12. Dangit, 3 of us use Avair all year 'round.

We haven't experienced any side effects and have been using it for quite some time.

Damn. The replacement probably will be pricier with our bad luck.

:banghead: