title: What is the best way to step down therapy in patients with well-controlled asthma?
abstract: Evidence suggests the best way to step down patients with well-controlled asthma on combination therapy is to lower the inhaled corticosteroid and eliminate the long-acting beta-agonist (LABA). However, this approach has been challenged due to concerns over the long-term safety of LABAs. Until this safety concern is resolved, it is imperative that practitioners recognize well-controlled asthma and attempt step-down treatment with the goal of maintaining optimal asthma control with the least amount of medication.
authors.affiliation: Wendy Brown is a certified asthma education, clinical coordinator for the North Dakota Pharmacy Services Corp.'s About the Patient program, and an associate professor at North Dakota State College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Allied Sciences in Fargo. The author discloses that she is a member of the Association of Asthma Educators speakers bureau.
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists