What risks of Advair would out way the benefits?
Why is the FDA thinking of taking it off the market? It's been my lifeline for several years and I have had no side affects that would out way my benefits. I lead a very physically active life because of it's benfits for me. Is there anything to replace it? I would be very crippled with out it. I'm extremely concerned. Please help me in this matter--thank you, Signe DeVall
Hi Signe,
Don't panic yet. 
There is apparently some disagreement among various FDA officials as to Advair's safety. To my understanding, this is mainly because of concerns over one of its components, salmeterol, which one study associated with increased risk of death from asthma. However, subsequent studies suggested this increased risk was due more to the fact that salmeterol alone was not a sufficiently effective treatment for asthma. Used in combination with an inhaled steroid, as it is in Advair, provides awesome asthma control for many people, as you have found personally.
Currently, there are 2 days of hearings going on at the FDA to discuss this issue. I found a really well-done review of the issues at the Washington Post website. I'd encourage you to read that to gain a better understanding.
If a change does come, it may only affect prescribing practices in kids, not adults. And it may or may not affect the other combination asthma medicine with a long-acting beta agonist (LABA), Symbicort. So, I think you'll need to wait and see what happens. Meanwhile, feel free to discuss your concerns with your personal physician.
To your health,
Kathi
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