Pulmonary pharmacology & therapeutics
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Pulm Pharmacol Ther · Feb 2009
ReviewSafety of regular use of long-acting beta agonists as monotherapy or added to inhaled corticosteroids in asthma. A systematic review.
Safety of long-acting beta agonists (LABA) has been questioned and recent evidence suggested a detrimental effect on asthma control as well as an increased risk of death. ⋯ This review reinforced the international recommendations in terms of the use of LABA remains the preferred add-on therapy to ICS for patients whose disease cannot adequately controlled with ICS, and that LABA cannot be prescribed as a monotherapy. Nevertheless, in spite of the protective effect of the ICS, children and salmeterol use still show an increased risk of non-fatal serious adverse events.