Finding myself again.
Before using Advair, I had no control over my asthma attacks. I had them frequently and used my rescue inhaler all day long. After almost dying from an asthma attack and spending some time in a hospital, my doctor prescribed Advair. I have not had one major asthma attack since. In fact, I only use my rescue inhaler once every couple months on average.
Now the FDA is issuing a warning about Advair (and other long-acting beta antagonists such as Symbicort). The main warning:
"...the agency cited studies that found that using the drugs alone can actually increase the severity of asthma, leading to hospitalizations and even death."They go on to say:
"...The drugs should only be used for the shortest time possible, until asthma symptoms are under control, and be "discontinued, if possible, once asthma control is achieved," the agency said in a statement. People should then switch to another medication to maintain symptom control, the FDA said."...and this:
"...most people should only require an inhaled corticosteroid to control their symptoms."
The FDA took a smack at Dr. Weil's knuckles last week, issuing him a warning letter about selling supplements that claim to support the immune system and that have "antiviral and immunity-enhancing properties".
Apparently, the FDA doesn't want him saying on his web site that certain herbs can help ward off colds and flu. It appears as if they only want Big Pharma to make the money with their drugs instead.
Big Pharma and our government really need to get out of bed with each other!
Labels: Big Pharma, Dr. Weil, FDA, H1N1, Supplements, swine flu