Can you use a rescue inhaler with Advair?

Yes, you can use a rescue inhaler if you are taking Advair. Advair Diskus is a maintenance medication that is used twice a day to prevent symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-ups. Advair HFA is only approved to be used twice daily help with asthma control. Even when used regularly, you may still have COPD or asthma exacerbations. This is where rescue inhalers can be useful. They are used when you have sudden breathing problems while on long-term medications.

Rescue inhalers are usually short-acting bronchodilators such as ProAir HFA/Ventolin HFA (albuterol), Atrovent Inhaler (ipratropium), and Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol). They work quickly to help open up your airways so you can breathe better. You should not have to use your rescue inhaler regularly. Overuse of rescue medications can increase your risk of asthma attacks and breathing problems. If you are using your rescue inhaler more often than usual or if it seems less effective than usual, talk with your healthcare provider. They might need to make changes to your breathing medications.

Keep reading as we discuss what you need to know about Advair before starting this medication and answer some frequently asked questions.

Advair FAQs

What is Advair used to treat?

Advair Diskus is a brand-name fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). It is approved FDA-approved for the treatment of asthma symptoms in patients 4 years of age and older. It is also used in the maintenance treatment of COPD symptoms. COPD is a group of lung diseases that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Advair HFA is an inhalation aerosol that is approved to treat asthma in adult and adolescent patients aged 12 years and older.

Advair Diskus and Advair HFA are not approved to treat acute bronchospasms (asthma attacks) and will not replace your short-acting rescue inhaler such as Ventolin HFA (albuterol).

How does Advair work?

Advair contains two different active ingredients: fluticasone propionate and salmeterol.

Fluticasone propionate is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). The exact way that it works to treat asthma is not well understood. It is thought to work directly in your lungs to reduce swelling and inflammation, making it easier for you to breathe.

Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA). It is a bronchodilator that works by relaxing the muscles in your lungs to open up your airways, making it easier to breathe.

What dosage is Advair available in?

Advair is available as an oral inhalation powder (Advair Diskus) and an inhalation aerosol (Advair HFA) in the following strengths:

  • Advair Diskus 100 mcg/50 mcg
  • Advair Diskus 250 mcg/50 mcg
  • Advair Diskus 500 mcg/50 mcg
  • Advair HFA 45 mcg/21 mcg
  • Advair HFA 115 mcg/21 mcg
  • Advair HFA 230 mcg/21 mcg

You should not use Advair Diskus with a spacer. However, you can use one with your Advair HFA inhaler to help you take your complete dose if you’re having a hard time using it.

What are the side effects of Advair?

While Advair is generally well-tolerated, like any medication, it can cause side effects. The most common side effects of Advair seen in clinical trials include:

Advair Diskus:

  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Bronchitis
  • Cough
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Hoarseness

Advair HFA:

  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Headache
  • Throat irritation
  • Muscle and bone pain
  • Nausea and vomiting

Other side effects seen with Advair Diskus include:

  • Dizziness
  • Oral thrush (fungal infection that causes sores or white patches in your mouth or throat)
  • Stomach pain or discomfort
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle pain

While less common, some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Advair. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical assistance:

Serious allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms can include:

  • Hives
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling of the mouth, throat, and tongue

Acute bronchospasm.

Medications like Advair can sometimes cause muscle spasms in your lungs which can lead to trouble breathing, wheezing, cough, and chest pain or discomfort.

If you have worsening breathing problems after using Advair, use your rescue inhaler and get medical attention immediately. Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you are using your rescue inhaler more often than usual, if it doesn’t relieve your symptoms, or if your peak flow meter results are decreased.

Increased risk of infections.

Advair contains an inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone), which can weaken your immune system and make you more likely to get an infection.

Notify your healthcare provider right away if you develop symptoms of infections, such as fever, chills, or body aches.

Changes in your stress hormone levels.

This can happen when you stop taking an oral corticosteroid medication (prednisone) and start taking Advair.

Let your healthcare provider know if you experience fatigue, nausea and vomiting, lack of energy, low blood pressure (hypotension), or weakness.

Delayed growth in children.

Children who use inhaled steroids, like Advair, might experience a delay in growth. To lower this risk, your child’s healthcare provider will use the lowest dose needed to help treat their condition. You should also check your child’s growth regularly while they’re receiving this medication.

Eye problems.

Although rare, the long-term use of Advair may cause higher pressure in their eyes, cataracts, and glaucoma. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any changes to your vision while using this medication.

Heart problems.

The long-acting beta-agonist, salmeterol, can cause high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and an irregular heartbeat.

You may need to regularly check your blood pressure and heart rate at home if you have heart problems. Do not use Advair Diskus or Advair HFA more than prescribed. Tell your healthcare provider if you have tremors, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, or weakness after you start this medication.

Low potassium levels.

This medication can cause the potassium levels in your blood to decrease, especially if you use more than recommended. The change in your potassium is usually mild and temporary. Let your healthcare provider know if you have any tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, a racing heart, or a “pins and needles” feeling in your hands and feet.

Weakened bones and osteoporosis.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Advair. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

What drugs interact with Advair?

Advair may interact with other medications, supplements, or foods, potentially affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. It is important to inform your healthcare professional about all the medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, including:

  • Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ritonavir and ketoconazole should not be used with Advair.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (phenelzine) should be used with extreme caution.
  • Beta-blockers (atenolol) and diuretics (furosemide) should be used with caution while on this medication.

Who should not take Advair?

You should not take Advair HFA or Advair Diskus if you have a known allergy to fluticasone, salmeterol, or any other inactive ingredients in this product. If you have had a severe allergic reaction to milk proteins, you should not take Advair Diskus. This form of Advair contains lactose monohydrate, which could cause an allergic reaction if you have had a past allergic reaction to milk proteins. Advair HFA does not contain lactose monohydrate.

You should also make sure your healthcare provider is aware of your health conditions before you start taking Advair, including:

  • Heart problems such as high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat
  • Seizures
  • Thyroid issues
  • Diabetes
  • Liver issues
  • Osteoporosis
  • Immune system issues
  • Current or history of eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, or increased pressure in your eye
  • Any type of bacterial, fungal, or viral such as herpes or tuberculosis
  • Exposure to measles or chickenpox
  • Taking antifungals or medications for HIV
  • Pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant; it is not known if the medications in Advair will cause harm to your unborn baby
  • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed; it is not known if the medications in Advair pass into breast milk and what effect they might have on your breastfed infant

How do you store Advair?

Advair Diskus should be stored at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C) with the mouthpiece down. It should be stored in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it.

Advair HFA should be stored at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C) with the mouthpiece down. You can also store it between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) for short periods of time if needed. Do not puncture the canister. Do not use or store your inhaler near heat or an open flame. Exposing your inhaler to temperatures above 120°F may cause it to burst. Do not throw the Advair HFA canister into a fire or incinerator.

Advair Diskus and Advair HFA should be kept out of the reach of children.

How long after taking albuterol can I take Advair?

You should take Advair regularly for it to be effective. You can use your rescue inhaler such as albuterol at any time while you are on Advair. If needed, you can use your rescue inhaler right after taking a dose of Advair. If you are using your rescue inhaler more often than usual or if it seems less effective than usual, talk with your healthcare provider.

How long does Advair stay in your system?

Based on the half-life of fluticasone and salmeterol, it may take almost 2 days for Advair to leave your body after a dose. However, in order for Advair to work well to control your symptoms, you need to take this medication twice daily, about 12 hours apart.

Does Advair help with lung inflammation?

Advair combines the inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) medication fluticasone propionate and the long-acting beta agonist (LABA) medication salmeterol. ICS medications such as fluticasone propionate help to decrease inflammation in your lungs. Inflammation in your lungs can lead to serious breathing problems.

Related medications

  • Serevent (salmeterol)
  • Flovent Diskus (fluticasone propionate)
  • Dulera (mometasone/formoterol)
  • Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol)
  • Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate/vilanterol)
  • Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol)

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