19 Feb 2010
The Department of Health (DH) today (February 19) drew public attention to the safe use of long-acting beta agonists (LABAs), medications used to treat asthma.
The warning came after U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s announcement that LABAs should never be used alone in treating asthma in children or adults and that manufacturers will be required to include this warning in the product labels or package inserts of these drugs and take steps to reduce the overall use of these medications.
A DH spokesman said the new requirements are based on FDA’s analysis of clinical trials showing the use of LABAs is associated with an increased risk of severe worsening of asthma symptoms, leading to hospitalisation and even death in some asthma patients.
In Hong Kong, there are 16 products containing LABAs currently registered in Hong Kong (see Annex). These LABAs are salmeterol and formoterol.
The spokesman said: "The Registration Committee of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board will review the relevant information in an upcoming meeting."
He advised asthma patients using these medicines should consult medical professionals for appropriate advice and treatment. Their doctors should be informed about any problems encountered after treatment.