serevent alone is the problem. We usually use ADvir which has steroids in it.
The increase in death is similar to that found with inhalers: You stop the initial attack, but six hours later, get the more severe edema with spasm that doesn't respong to bronchodilators.
Also, Serevent is not used "as needed". It is used constantly, so those using serevent are the more severe cases of asthma, i.e. those who are supposed to be on steroids. So wait for the Advir studies come out first.
I use serevent because I can't tolorate Albuterol, and rarely need a bronchodilator as long as I take my steroid inhaler. About the only place I use it is when I go to Walmart, which for some reason makes me wheeze, probably the cleaning fluid they use to clean the place.
And there are those asthmatics who refuse to take steroids because of the nasty side effects. I'd rather be wheezing and steroid free. With a serevent inhaler, for the first time in my life, I felt like I didn't have asthma. Then when the inhaler was deemed an ENVIROMENTAL hazard, the company switch to the discus, which dumps some powder on my tongue, but isn't anywhere near as effective, but still better than Advair!! I would rather take my chances with serevent than with any steroid drug!!! Wish we could sign a form releasing the drug company from responsibility if we chose to use their product.
IMO, many times MDI's get a "bad rap" because they are misused. I've had pt's take 40-50 puffs of their MDI's ( Proventil, Combivent..) without checking their PF's, without calling their PCP.....before they eventually call for help, or it get's called for them.
I suspect many of these "warnings" are flawed in sampling.....but with just about any drug, there can be problems/abuses......
I guess for me...and other poster's here....most of these drugs, Advair, Spiriva, Foradil, Serevent, etc..etc...have made many people's life's much more livable than not.
All...FWIW-