Advair Diskus

The active ingredients in Advair Diskus are fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder. Fluticasone propionate is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that helps reduce inflammation in the airways. It is an inhalation powder, unlike the majority of aerosol, metered-dose inhalers. Advair Diskus is not approved to treat acute bronchospasms (asthma attacks) and will not replace your rescue inhaler (albuterol).

Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA). It is a bronchodilator that helps relax the muscles in the airways. By doing so, it opens up the airways and allows for easier airflow, making breathing less labored.

The combination of these two medications in Advair Diskus helps control the underlying inflammation and muscle constriction associated with asthma and COPD. This helps with symptoms such as shortness of breath, overall breathing problems, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. This not only provides relief from immediate symptoms but also helps prevent future flare-ups and exacerbations.

Follow all directions given by your doctor and read all documents provided, including Prescribing Information, FDA-approved product labeling, and Medication Guide before using Advair Diskus.

To get the most benefit from Advair, it is important to use it consistently and correctly. Here is a summary of how to help you use Advair effectively:

• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully regarding the dosage and frequency of Advair Diskus. Usually, the recommended dosage is 1 inhalation twice a day. You should not use Advair Diskus with a spacer device.
• Use Advair Diskus at the same time each day to establish a routine.
• Rinse your mouth with water after using Advair Diskus to minimize the risk of throat irritation or fungal infections.
• Keep track of your symptoms and any changes you notice while using Advair Diskus. This will help you and your healthcare provider assess its effectiveness.
• If you miss a dose of Advair Diskus, just skip the missed dose, and take your next dose at its usual time. Do not take two doses at one time to make up for a missed dose.
• If asthma symptoms arise between your doses of Advair Diskus, you should use an inhaled, short-acting beta 2 -agonist (rescue inhaler) such as Ventolin HFA (albuterol) for immediate relief.
• Your healthcare professional might recommend that you own a peak flow meter. If they do, track yourself and let your doctor know if your numbers are lower than normal.

Remember, it may take some time for Advair Diskus to take full effect, so be patient and continue using it as prescribed, even if you do not notice immediate improvements in your symptoms.

The most common side effects of Advair Diskus seen in clinical trials include:

• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Sore throat
• Bronchitis
• Headache
• Cough
• Throat irritation and hoarseness
• Nausea and vomiting

Other side effects seen with Advair Diskus include:

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

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:
• Trouble breathing
• Hives
• Swelling of the mouth, throat, and tongue
• Increased risk of infections
• The inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone) in Advair Diskus, has the potential to weaken your immune system, which makes you more likely to get an infection.
• If you develop symptoms of infections, such as fever, chills, or body aches, notify your healthcare provider right away.
• Acute bronchospasm
• Advair Diskus has the potential to cause muscle spasms in your lungs which can lead to wheezing, trouble breathing, cough, and chest pain or discomfort.
• Monitor your breathing after taking Advair Diskus. In the case of worsening symptoms, use your rescue inhaler and seek medical attention immediately.
• Delayed growth in children
• There is an increased risk of delayed growth in children if that child is taking an inhaled steroid, such as Advair Diskus.
• The healthcare provider of your child most likely will prescribe the lowest dose necessary for the condition. It’s recommended that you check your child's growth regularly while they're receiving this medication.
• 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.
• Heart problems
• One of the two active ingredients in Advair Diskus, salmeterol, has the possibility of causing an increased heart rate, an irregular heartbeat, and high blood pressure.
• If you have heart problems, your doctor may have you regularly check your blood pressure and heart rate at home. Do not use Advair Diskus more than prescribed. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a rapid heartbeat, tremors, fatigue, dizziness, or weakness after you start this medication.
• Eye problems
• This side effect is more common if you have used Advair Diskus for a long period of time.
• Problems could include high pressure in your eyes, glaucoma, or cataracts.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any changes to your vision while using this medication.
• Weakened bones and osteoporosis
• Low potassium levels
• There is a possibility that your potassium levels will decrease while taking Advair Diskus. This is most likely to happen if you use more than what your doctor recommends, however, the change in levels usually is mild and temporary. If you feel weakness, muscle cramps, a racing heart, tiredness, or “pins and needles” in your hands and feet, call your healthcare provider.

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.

Before starting Advair Diskus, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Heart problems such as high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat
• Thyroid issues
• Seizures
• Liver issues
• Diabetes
• An allergy to fluticasone, salmeterol, or milk proteins
• Osteoporosis
• Current or history of eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, or increased pressure in your eye
• Immune system issues
• Any type of bacterial, fungal, or viral infection such as herpes or tuberculosis
• A medical condition that requires an antifungal or medications for HIV
• Exposure to measles or chickenpox

The following are the known contraindications with Advair Diskus:

• Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or an acute episode of asthma or COPD requiring intensive measures.
• Known severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins or a demonstrated hypersensitivity to salmeterol, fluticasone propionate, or any of the other ingredients in Advair Diskus.

Advair Diskus usually starts working within 30 minutes to an hour after use to open up the airways. However, noticeable improvement in symptoms such as reduced shortness of breath, less frequent wheezing, and easier breathing often takes a few days to a week.

For full therapeutic effects, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma or COPD, it can take up to two weeks or more with regular use.

When Advair Diskus is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid negative drug interactions:

• Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (phenelzine) should be used with extreme caution.
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ritonavir and ketoconazole should not be used with Advair Diskus.
• Beta-blockers (atenolol) and diuretics (furosemide) should be used with caution while on this medication.
• Other long-acting inhaled bronchodilators, including formoterol, and Brovana (arformoterol).

Advair Diskus is available as an oral inhalation powder in the following strengths:

• 100 mcg/50 mcg
• 250 mcg/50 mcg
• 500 mcg/50 mcg

The active ingredients in Advair are also available as a metered-dose inhaler under the brand names Advair HFA and AirDuo Respiclick.

Your healthcare provider will prescribe the strength that is right for you. However, the typical dose to treat COPD is 1 inhalation of Advair Diskus 250 mcg/50 mcg by mouth twice daily. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions on how to use Advair Diskus correctly.

Store Advair Diskus in a cool, dry place at room temperature with the mouthpiece facing downward. Store away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children. Advair Diskus should be kept in the unopened foil pouch. Only open it when you are ready to use it. If one month has passed after you’ve opened it, or when the counter reads 0, you should safely dispose of your inhaler in the trash.

Advair Diskus is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

There are lower-cost generics available for the brand name Advair Diskus medication.

To safely stop taking Advair Diskus, consult your doctor to create a gradual tapering plan, as stopping suddenly may worsen asthma or COPD symptoms. Your doctor might suggest reducing your dosage slowly or switching to a different inhaler. During this process, monitor any changes in symptoms, and have a rescue inhaler available if needed. Regular follow-ups with your doctor can help ensure the transition goes smoothly.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you. Currently, it is unknown if the medications in Advair Diskus will cause harm to your unborn baby.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you. Currently, it is unknown if the medications in Advair Diskus pass into breast milk and if the medication will affect your child.