title: HelpDesk answers: is it safe to add long-acting β-2 agonists to inhaled corticosteroids in patients with persistent asthma?
abstract: Possibly. Long-acting β-2 agonists (LABAs) used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) don't appear to increase all-cause mortality or serious adverse events in patients with persistent asthma compared with ICS alone. Studies showing an increase in catastrophic events had serious methodologic issues. A large surveillance study is ongoing.
authors.affiliation: University of Minnesota, Department of Family Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Laurie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Townsend
authors.affiliation: University of Minnesota, Department of Family Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Diane J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Madlon-Kay
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000420:Albuterol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D000068299:Salmeterol Xinafoate
chemical_list: D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D000068299:Salmeterol Xinafoate; D000420:Albuterol