From JournalWatch:
FDA Panel Votes to Ban Two Drugs for Asthma
An advisory panel to the FDA voted Thursday to ban two long-acting beta agonists, Serevent (salmeterol) and Foradil (formoterol), for treating asthma in adults and children. When taken without an inhaled corticosteroid, these drugs can increase the risk for death.
Serevent and Foradil will remain on the market to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders.
The panel also voted to continue allowing the use of Symbicort (formoterol plus budesonide) and Advair (salmeterol plus fluticasone). These drugs contain both long-acting beta agonists and steroids.
It is not yet known how the FDA will act on the panel’s recommendations.