Are long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABAs) safe?
You may have heard about it on the news or noticed a warning on your asthma inhaler medication. Specific asthma inhalers called long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABAs) — such as Serevent, Advair, Symbicort, or Foradil — may increase your risk of a life-threatening asthma attack. These medications are delivered via a dry powder inhaler or an aerosol inhaler and are used for long-term treatment of moderate and severe asthma. You’re not alone if you are concerned about the possible dangers of these asthma inhalers — and you may even wonder if you should stop using them. But don’t change anything until you talk to your doctor. Even though LABAs have been linked to dangerous asthma attacks in some people, they’re still an important treatment option for many people with moderate or severe asthma. When used correctly — combined with inhaled corticosteroids and monitored carefully — long-acting beta-2 agonist asthma inhalers reduce symptoms and are less likely to cause a dangerous reaction.
