The alert by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on use of long-acting beta₂ agonists for the treatment of asthma¹ has made headlines since it was issued on November 18, 2005. The advisory suggests that these agents should be reserved for patients whose asthma is not controlled with low or moderate doses of inhaled corticosteroids. The focal points of this advisory are the findings of the Salmeterol Multicenter Asthma Research Trial,² which was stopped because of a small but significant number of asthma-related deaths, and similar data from studies of formoterol (Foradil Aerolizer) that showed a possible increase in severe asthma exacerbations.

On November 21, 2005, the FDA issued suggested language for patient information³ for salmeterol (Serevent), fluticasone propionate plus salmeterol (Advair), and formoterol. The essence of the message for patients and physicians is that inhaled corticosteroids should be used first, and long-acting beta₂ agonists should be added if low or moderate doses of corticosteroids are insufficient.

As family physicians, we see a large number of patients with asthma for whom we must prescribe the safest and most effective treatment, using inhaled corticosteroids and, when required, corticosteroids plus long-acting beta₂ agonists. For those with severe asthma or asthma that cannot be controlled with low or moderate doses of inhaled corticosteroids, the low risk associated with long-acting beta₂ agonists is likely less than the risk of death from uncontrolled asthma. For patients with less severe asthma, it is appropriate to begin methodically, using short-acting beta₂-agonists alone for patients with intermittent asthma and adding anti-inflammatory or controller medications for those with persistent asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective anti-inflammatory medications for asthma; the OPTIMA trial (Oxis and Pulmicort Turbuhaler In the Management of patients with Asthma)⁴ showed that more than 70 percent of mild or moderate, persistent asthma can be controlled with inhaled corticosteroids alone, with results equivalent to treatment with a combination of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta₂ agonists.

Asthma therapy should follow the model of all step-up therapy, using a single agent first and then following the patient and individualizing treatment as needed. For management of persistent asthma, physicians should begin with inhaled corticosteroids, substituting a leukotriene modifier for patients with mild asthma who refuse corticosteroid therapy. If rapid bronchodilation is needed during the initiation period, a short-acting beta₂-agonist can be used three or four times per day while the inhaled corticosteroid reaches peak activity.⁵ After the initiation period, monotherapy with the corticosteroid should continue; the short-acting beta₂ agonist may be used for occasional symptom exacerbations. In patients with moderate asthma, moderate doses of inhaled corticosteroids may be used before switching to combination therapy. In patients with severe asthma, combination therapy is required.

Individualizing therapy means that physicians and their patients must communicate effectively.⁶ Patients should answer a set of simple questions about disease severity, daytime symptoms, nocturnal awakenings, the need to miss or modify activities, the use of rescue bronchodilators, and exacerbations. These data can provide an important basis for modifying treatment.