Hi Bill,

This is a tricky question for which there is no definitive answer as yet. A couple of years ago, a study showed that LABAs like Serevent and Foradil could increase the risk of death from asthma. So, the FDA slapped black box warnings on those drugs as well as the combination drugs Advair and Symbicort, which contain the LABAs, in addition to a steroid.

Subsequent studies showed no correlation in risk of death for Advair or Symbicort, so experts concluded that the results of the previous study were probably related more to the fact that LABAs are not considered to be an effective treatment for asthma by themselves. When used in combination with an inhaled steroid (as with Advair/Symbicort), the effectiveness is greatly increased.

In the news this week, though, is a highly public disagreement among various members of the FDA about the risk from Advair, especially in children. A couple of FDA staff are saying Advair should be banned from use in children, while others are saying the opposite. The FDA has called a meeting for today to try and come to a meeting of the minds. It remains to be seen what recommendations will come out of that.

For now, keep in mind that all treatment is a matter of weighing risks against benefits. The risks of illness or death in uncontrolled asthma are also high. Your best bet is to talk with your doctor about your concerns. Don't stop taking your medicine without doing that, OK?

To your health,

Kathi