3. Duplicative Therapy

Acute asthma exacerbations require treatment with short-acting beta2-adrenergic agents even though maintenance therapy with LABAs may be prescribed concomitantly. Patients may receive a long- and short-acting beta2-adrenergic drug concurrently for short time periods to manage acute attacks. LABAs used in conjunction with frequently administered short-acting beta2-adrenergic drugs (i.e., frequent refill of a short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist within a 30-day time period) will be reviewed.

Current literature does not support the adjunctive use of multiple LABAs for prevention and control of asthma symptoms. Concomitant LABA use will be reviewed as clinical evidence does not validate improved outcome with conjunctive therapy.