Is Advair a rescue inhaler?

No, Advair Diskus (fluticasone/salmeterol) is a long-term medication that is used to help you breathe better and prevent asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-ups. For it to be effective, it must be taken every day. It is not a rescue inhaler and should not be used for sudden breathing problems. Rescue inhalers are typically short-acting bronchodilators that you would use during an asthma attack or COPD flare-up. They will help you breathe again quickly but their effects usually only last 4 to 6 hours, so they are not used for long-term management of your condition. Bronchodilators in rescue inhalers include short-acting muscarinic antagonists (anticholinergics) or short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs). They both work by quickly relaxing your airway muscles to help you breathe better. They are available in metered-dose inhalers and nebulizer solutions. Some examples of rescue inhalers include Ventolin HFA/ProAir HFA (albuterol), Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol), Atrovent Inhaler (ipratropium), and Atrovent Nebules (ipratropium).

While rescue inhalers can be very helpful it is possible to overuse them. It is estimated that almost 30% of people overuse their inhalers which can lead to an increased risk of asthma attacks and even death. If you are using your rescue inhaler frequently, it means your asthma or COPD is not being controlled with your maintenance medications. Talk with your healthcare provider about your treatment if you are using your rescue inhaler more than twice a week.

Advair Diskus FAQs

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

What does Advair Diskus do to your lungs?

Advair Diskus 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 Diskus available in?

This medication is available as an oral inhalation powder in the following strengths:

  • Advair Diskus 100 mcg/50 mcg
  • Advair Diskus 250 mcg/50 mcg
  • Advair Diskus 500 mcg/50 mcg

All strengths of 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.

What are the side effects of Advair Diskus?

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

  • Upper respiratory tract infections such as the common cold or sinus infections
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Bronchitis
  • Cough
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Throat irritation and hoarseness

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 Diskus. 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 Diskus 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 Diskus, 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 Diskus 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 Diskus.

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 Diskus, 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 Diskus 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 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 Diskus. 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 Diskus?

Advair Diskus 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 Diskus.
  • 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 Diskus?

Advair Diskus is contraindicated if you have a known allergy to fluticasone, salmeterol, milk proteins, or any other inactive ingredients in this product.

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

How long does it take Advair Diskus to work?

While you may start to breathe better 30 minutes after a dose of Advair Diskus, it may take a week or longer before you feel the full benefits of this medication. If you do not notice much symptom improvement after using Advair Diskus for 2 weeks, talk with your healthcare provider. You may need a higher strength of Advair Diskus or need to change medications.

Does Advair Diskus help with shortness of breath?

Yes, Advair Diskus is used to manage and prevent symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and cough that are caused by asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It must be used every day to be effective and should not be used for sudden shortness of breath or other sudden breathing problems.

Is Advair Diskus safe to use during pregnancy?

Advair Diskus has not been well-studied for use during pregnancy. Generally, inhaled corticosteroids such as fluticasone are the first choice to treat asthma during pregnancy. There is also limited research that suggests LABAs such as salmeterol will not cause serious harm when used with an inhaled corticosteroid during pregnancy. You should discuss the benefits and risks of using Advair Diskus with your healthcare provider. Poorly controlled asthma will put you and your unborn baby at risk so you and your provider should talk about treatment options for you during pregnancy.

Related medications

  • Advair HFA (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol aerosol)
  • 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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