Long-acting beta-agonists safe with steroids

08 Jan 08

The review was prompted by 2006 data from the SMART study which showed small, but statistically significant, increases in respiratory-related and asthma-related deaths in patients taking salmeterol.

The MHRA has reviewed data for both currently available LABAs, salemterol and formoterol as well as the combination products Seretide and Symbicort.

The review concludes that since the introduction of LABAs there has been a decrease in asthma-related hospitalisations in adolescents and a decrease in asthma-related mortality.

The data support the use of LABA in conjunction with inhaled corticosteroids in the treatment of moderate to severe asthma and a combination inhaler should be used when appropriate.

Dr Steve Holmes, Somerset GP and chair of the General Practice Airways Group, welcomed the 'clear' advice and said: 'LABAs are safe but should be consistently used with inhaled corticosteroids. If there is any doubt about compliance clinicians should consider combination inhalers and follow BTS and NICE guidance.