Springboard message [asthma and beta blockers]

Today's Springboard covers long acting beta agonists and avoiding their unnecessary use in asthmatics.
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/362/13/1169

Specific Label Changes for Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (LABAs).
1. Contraindicate the use of LABAs for asthma in patients of all ages without concomitant use of an asthma-controller medication such as an inhaled corticosteroid.

2. Stop use of the LABA, if possible, once asthma control is achieved and maintain the use of an asthma-controller medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid.

3. Recommend against LABA use in patients whose asthma is adequately controlled with a low- or medium-dose inhaled corticosteroid.

4. Recommend that a fixed-dose combination product containing a LABA and an inhaled corticosteroid be used to ensure compliance with concomitant therapy in pediatric and adolescent patients who require the addition of a LABA to an inhaled corticosteroid.|

As we begin to increase our involvement in medical school education, I would like to make you aware of a program that helps people initiate programs

http://www.stfm.org/conferences/mseinstitute/index.cfm

Have a good week
John