Why did long-acting beta agonists receive a black box warning?

Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) received a black box warning primarily due to the increased risk of asthma-related deaths associated with their use, particularly when prescribed without concurrent use of inhaled corticosteroids. This warning highlights the potential danger of relying solely on LABAs for asthma control, leading to inadequate management of underlying inflammation that contributes to severe asthma exacerbations. The warning serves to inform healthcare providers and patients of the critical need to ensure that LABAs are used as part of a comprehensive asthma management plan, which includes inhaled corticosteroids to reduce the risk of serious adverse effects. Hence, prescribing LABAs without addressing underlying asthma pathology could result in dangerous complications, including fatal outcomes.