How to use the Advair HFA inhaler?

Advair HFA (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) is a combination oral inhalation aerosol used to treat asthma in patients 12 years of age and older. It comes as a metered-dose inhaler which is a pressurized canister that contains the medication and helps deliver it to your lungs. It is important to use your Advair HFA inhaler correctly. Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using your inhaler and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this medication. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider. Read on for instructions on how to use your Advair HFA inhaler as well as other important information you need to know before using this medication.

Before the first time you use your inhaler

Advair HFA should be stored at room temperature in the foil pouch between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C) until you are ready to use it. Keep it away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.

How to prime your inhaler

Before the first time you use your Advair HFA inhaler, you need to prime it so you will get the right dose of medication each time you use it. To do this:

  1. Squeeze the sides of the cap and pull it straight off the mouthpiece.
  2. Shake your Advair HFA inhaler well for at least 5 seconds and spray it once into the air away from your face. Repeat this 3 more times to ensure it is primed.

You have to prime your Advair HFA inhaler if you haven’t used it in more than 4 weeks or if you’ve dropped it. Take the cap off and shake your inhaler well for at least 5 seconds. Spray it once into the air away from your face. Repeat this once more to ensure it is primed.

Using your inhaler

  1. Be sure the metal canister fits tightly into the plastic actuator. You should be able to see the counter in the window of the plastic actuator. Squeeze the sides of the cap and pull it straight off the mouthpiece. Clear the inside of the mouthpiece of any objects if needed.
  2. Hold your inhaler with the mouthpiece down. Shake it well for at least 5 seconds.
  3. Breathe out as much air as you can through your mouth.
  4. Place the mouthpiece of your inhaler in your mouth. Close your lips around the mouthpiece. Push the top of the metal canister firmly down while you breathe in slowly and deeply.
  5. After the dose is administered, remove your finger from the canister. After breathing in, remove the inhaler from your mouth and then close your mouth.
  6. Then hold your breath for around 10 seconds, or as long as you can. Slowly breathe out as much air as you can. Wait around 30 seconds, shake the inhaler well for at least 5 seconds, and then repeat steps 2-6.
  7. To help avoid irritation and thrush, rinse out your mouth with water without swallowing after each dose of Advair HFA.
  8. Snap the cap back firmly in place on the mouthpiece after you finish using your inhaler.

Cleaning your Advair HFA inhaler

You should clean your Advair HFA inhaler at least once a week after you take your evening dose. To do this:

  1. Squeeze the sides of the cap and pull it straight off the mouthpiece. Don’t take the canister out of the actuator.
  2. Using a dry cotton swab, clean the opening where the medicine comes out of the canister by twisting the swab in a circular motion.
  3. Then use a clean, damp tissue to wipe the inside of the mouthpiece. The plastic actuator should air-dry overnight before you put the cap back on the mouthpiece.

Advair HFA FAQs

What is Advair HFA used to treat?

Advair Diskus is a brand-name fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation aerosol that is FDA-approved for the management of asthma symptoms in patients 12 years of age and older. Unlike an Advair Diskus inhaler, Advair HFA is not approved for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Advair HFA is also not approved to treat asthma attacks and does not replace your rescue inhaler (albuterol).

How does Advair HFA work?

Advair HFA contains 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.

How often do you use Advair HFA?

Your healthcare provider will prescribe the strength of Advair HFA that is right for you. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on how to use your Advair HFA inhaler correctly. The recommended dosage is 2 inhalation twice a day with or without a spacer. It should be used around the same time every day, around 12 hours apart.

What are the side effects of Advair HFA?

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

  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Changes in your voice
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Throat irritation and hoarseness

Other side effects seen with Advair Diskus include:

  • Oral thrush (fungal infection that causes sores or white patches in your mouth or throat)
  • Stomach pain or discomfort
  • Weight gain
  • Muscle and bone pain

While less common, some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Advair HFA. 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
  • Breathing problems
  • Swelling of the mouth, throat, and tongue

Acute bronchospasm.

Medications like Advair HFA can sometimes cause muscle spasms in your lungs which can lead to shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and chest pain or discomfort.

If you have worsening breathing after using Advair HFA, use your rescue inhaler and get medical attention immediately.

Increased risk of infections.

Advair HFA 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 HFA.

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 HFA, 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, people using Advair HFA over a long time may have 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 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 HFA. 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 HFA?

Advair HFA 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
  • Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine
  • Beta-blockers such as atenolol
  • Diuretics such as furosemide

Who should not take Advair HFA?

Advair HFA is contraindicated if you have a known allergy to fluticasone, salmeterol, or any other inactive ingredients in this product. Unlike Advair Diskus, this medication does not contain milk proteins.

You should also make sure your healthcare provider is aware of your medical conditions before you start taking Advair HFA, 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 infection
  • 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 Diskus will cause harm to your unborn baby
  • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed; it is not known if the medications in Advair Diskus pass into breast milk and what effect they might have on your breastfed infant

What should you do if you miss a dose of Advair HFA?

If you miss a dose of Advair HFA, just skip that dose. Take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take 2 doses at 1 time to make up for a missed dose.

How long does it take for Advair HFA to start working?

Improvement in your asthma symptoms can occur within 30 minutes of beginning treatment, but it may take 1 week or longer before you get the full benefit of Advair HFA. If you do not notice significant symptom improvement after 2 weeks of therapy, you may need a higher strength to provide asthma control.

Related medications

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

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