Advair Diskus (Fluticasone/Salmeterol)

What is Advair Diskus?

Advair is a combination of fluticasone (steroid) and salmeterol (bronchodilator). It prevents the release of substances that cause inflammation in the body.

What is Advair Diskus used for?

Advair is indicated for the prevention of asthma attacks. It prevents flare-ups or worsening of COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis).

How does Advair Diskus work?

Advair works by reducing swelling and relaxing muscles in the airways. This helps improve breathing.

How to use Advair Diskus

Advair should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The medicine is inhaled by mouth, usually twice daily. Remember to take it at the same time each day. Before each spray, shake the inhaler for at least 5 seconds. Do not use the medicine with a spacer. Also never exhale into the device. Rinse mouth or gargle after taking the medicine. Do not wash the mouthpiece or any other part of the device.

Advair Diskus warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to salmeterol (Serevent), fluticasone (Flonase, Flovent) or milk proteins. Also, do not take Advair if you have an asthma attack or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) symptoms.

Prior to taking Advair, tell your doctor if you have liver or heart disease, high blood pressure, drug or food allergy, epilepsy, any kind of infection, diabetes, weak immune system, glaucoma, osteoporosis, tuberculosis or a thyroid disorder.

Avoid being close to people who are sick or have infections. If you get exposed to chicken pox or measles, contact your doctor right away as the condition may be fatal.

Do not give this medicine to children below the age of 4 years as this can affect their growth.

It is not known whether the drug could harm an unborn child or passes into breast milk. Therefore, pregnant and lactating women should not use this drug without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Advair Diskus dose?

If you have missed your Advair dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next (scheduled) dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Advair Diskus overdose?

If you have taken an Advair overdose you should seek emergency medical attention.

Advair Diskus interactions

Before taking Advair, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like diuretic (water pill), amiodarone (Cordarone), HIV medicines such as ritonavir (Norvir), atazanavir (Reyataz), indinavir (Crixivan), saquinavir (Invirase), or nelfinavir (Viracept); an antidepressant such as desipramine (Norpramin), amitriptyline (Elavil), nefazodone, fluoxetine (Prozac), or imipramine (Tofranil); MAO inhibitor such as tranylcypromine (Parnate), rasagiline (Azilect), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam); antibiotics such as telithromycin (Ketek)or clarithromycin (Biaxin); a beta-blocker such as carvedilol (Coreg), atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol); and antifungal medications such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox).

Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Advair Diskus side effects

Advair side effects include hives; breathing difficulty; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat; and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Advair, contact your doctor.

Bronchospasm (breathing trouble, wheezing, chest tightness), fever, chills, fast or uneven heart beats, cough with green or yellow mucus, stabbing chest pain, restless feeling , eye pain, blurred vision, tremor, white patches or sores in mouth or on lips, and worsening asthma symptoms are also side effects from Advair.

Sinus pain, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, diarrhea, dry mouth, vomiting, nausea, headache, dizziness, hoarseness or deepened voice are some less serious side effects of Advair.