Black Box Warnings for Asthma Medicines -- What Do They Mean?
Saturday May 10, 2008
It seems that asthma medicines have been in the news a lot the past few years. You might be wondering just how safe it really is to take your asthma medicine? Wondering if the risks outweigh the benefits of Advair, Singlulair or others?
Believe me, I don't blame you. The United States' system of approving medicines via the FDA before they go on the market is one of the most restrictive in the world. Indeed, many medications yet to gain approval here have been used successfully for years in Europe.
It's surprising, then, that so many problems crop up after drugs get on to the market here, isn't it?
So what IS the truth about your asthma drugs? What do black box warnings really mean? The answers to those questions can be found in a new article here on Black Box Warnings for Asthma Medications.
Comments
I’ve read comments about the possible disadvantages of using Advair Discus. However the benefits I receive by using this medication at the present time far outweigh any potential future adverse side effects. It has greatly improved my asthma and until something better comes along, I’ll stick with it. I also tried Sindulair but it didn’t help my any.
I’m currently taking Advair (or what I think is the equivalent here in France, Seretide) and have taken many other asthma drugs in the past. However, I think my asthma is what’s called “cough-variant”, and though I’ll be visiting with my doctor here in France soon, can anyone tell me which drugs in the US have shown to be most effective at treating cough-variant asthma? Thanks!