According to a recent report at latimes.com, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) have just called for new limits to be put on powerful and long-lasting bronchial drugs that are used by millions of Americans, to treat their asthma.

This they say is a move that is designed to reduce the risk of complications, which lead to hospitalization or even death. Doctors are urged to switch patients away from the drugs that contain both long-acting beta agonists (LABA’s), and inhaled corticosteroids.

The FDA says that asthma patients should use products that only contain corticosteroids or other asthma-relieving medication where possible. Patients, who can’t control their asthma symptoms, should use LABA’s for the shortest times possible.

According to the agency, the drugs should never be used alone in treating asthma, in adults or children. The drugs said to be affected by the FDA’s action, includes the LABA-only products Serevent and Foradil, as well as Advair and Symbicort.

For more information on this story, visit latimes.com.