Lots of kids with asthma take expensive acid reflux drugs, but do they help?
Posted Jan 24 2012 4:01pm
New research from the American Lung Association indicates that commonly prescribed - and expensive - drugs to inhibit undetected gastroesophageal reflux does not improve asthma symptoms or control in children.
GER is a common problem in children with asthma. The study authors say that more than 2.5 million Rx for the use of acid inhibitors are written each year, and many are for patients without symptoms of GER who are having trouble controlling their asthma.
UAB's William Bailey, M.D., chairs the ALA's Asthma Clinical Research Centers Network, says kids who took a daily dose of an acid inhibitor called lansoprazole showed no signs of improved lung function or a decrease in asthma symptoms compared to those who took placebo.
However, the kids who took the drug did have an increased risk for adverse effects, notably sore throats and bronchitis.
"This work shows that children with asthma don't benefit from these medications unless they have active symptoms," said Bailey. "This can save money both for parents out-of-pocket and for third party payers."
"Prescription acid control medications are costly; those with asthma can spend as much as $1.1 billion a year," said Norman Edelman, M.D., chief medical officer of the ALA. "Knowing that silent acid reflux does not play a significant role in poor asthma control is the kind of practical research that is helpful immediately for both physicians and parents' alike."
Bailey and Edelman say talk to your doctor before discontinuing any medication.
GER is a common problem in children with asthma. The study authors say that more than 2.5 million Rx for the use of acid inhibitors are written each year, and many are for patients without symptoms of GER who are having trouble controlling their asthma.
UAB's William Bailey, M.D., chairs the ALA's Asthma Clinical Research Centers Network, says kids who took a daily dose of an acid inhibitor called lansoprazole showed no signs of improved lung function or a decrease in asthma symptoms compared to those who took placebo.
However, the kids who took the drug did have an increased risk for adverse effects, notably sore throats and bronchitis.
"This work shows that children with asthma don't benefit from these medications unless they have active symptoms," said Bailey. "This can save money both for parents out-of-pocket and for third party payers."
"Prescription acid control medications are costly; those with asthma can spend as much as $1.1 billion a year," said Norman Edelman, M.D., chief medical officer of the ALA. "Knowing that silent acid reflux does not play a significant role in poor asthma control is the kind of practical research that is helpful immediately for both physicians and parents' alike."
Bailey and Edelman say talk to your doctor before discontinuing any medication.