Indications
Advair Diskus (active ingredients: fluticasone propionate and salmeterol) is a prescription medication indicated for:
- Treatment of Asthma: Advair Diskus is used for the treatment of asthma in patients aged 4 years and older. It is prescribed for patients whose asthma is not adequately controlled on a long-term asthma control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid, or whose disease severity clearly warrants initiation of treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA).
- Maintenance Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Advair Diskus is indicated for the maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is also indicated to reduce exacerbations of COPD in patients with a history of exacerbations.
Advair Diskus belongs to the drug class known as combination inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (LABAs).
Uses and Dosage
Advair Diskus is typically administered twice daily, twelve hours apart. The recommended dosing schedule is to take one inhalation in the morning and one inhalation at night. However, your healthcare provider may prescribe a different schedule depending on your individual needs. It is important to use Advair Diskus exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider and not to change your dose or frequency of use without consulting with them first.
Typical dosing for Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol)
- Asthma: If you are using the Diskus versions or the AirDuo brands of Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) for asthma, typical use is 1 puff or inhalation by mouth twice daily. If you are using Advair HFA, use 2 puffs by mouth twice daily.
- COPD: When Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) is being used for COPD, typical use is 1 inhalation by mouth twice daily of the Diskus version of this medication.
Side Effects
Serious Side Effects of using Advair Diskus inhaler:
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Throat irritation
- Hoarseness and voice changes
- Thrush
- Bronchitis
- Cough
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Severe dizziness
- Tremors
- Trouble sleeping
- Vision problems
- White patches inside the mouth
- Worsening breathing problems
Common Side Effects of Advair Diskus Include:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Hoarseness
- Stomach upset
- Throat irritation
Allergic Reactions of Advair Diskus inhaler
- Itching
- Rashes
- Severe dizziness
- Swelling of the face and throat
- Trouble breathing
- Wheezing
Form and Strength
Advair Diskus and its generic alternative of Fluticasone/Salmeterol are available in the following forms and strengths:
Advair Diskus: Diskus
- 100/50 mcg
- 250/50 mcg
- 500/50 mcg
Fluticasone/Salmeterol: Diskus
- 100/50 mcg
- 250/50 mcg
- 500/50 mcg
Caution
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to fluticasone (Flonase, Flovent), salmeterol (Serevent), any other medications, milk protein, any foods, or any of the ingredients in fluticasone and salmeterol oral inhalation.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as fluticasone and salmeterol may not be suitable for you. If you become pregnant while using fluticasone and salmeterol, your doctor may advise you to stop taking the medication or may suggest an alternative treatment.
- Do not stop Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) suddenly unless your healthcare provider tells you to. When stopping steroid inhalers, it is important to do so gradually, over a period of weeks or months, to avoid unpleasant side effects such as dizziness, headache, and upset stomach. Your healthcare provider will be able to advise you on the best way to gradually reduce your dose.
- Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) can make you more likely to suffer from respiratory infections, including pneumonia. The symptoms of pneumonia can be similar to worsening signs of COPD.
- When using an inhaler, do not take the device apart or wash any part of it. After each use, close the device to prevent any medicine from leaking out. If you are using multiple inhalers at the same time, wait at least one minute between the use of each medication, and use the one containing this drug last. This will ensure that all the medicine is delivered to your lungs and none of it is wasted.
- Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) can cause a fungal infection in the mouth and throat called thrush. Rinse your mouth after taking this medication to lower your risk. Tell your doctor if you notice white patches inside your mouth or throat or have trouble swallowing while taking Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) as they may need to change your medication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) take to start working?
Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) begins to work within minutes after inhaling it. However, it can take several days to reach its full effect and may take up to two weeks to feel the maximum benefit.
What is fluticasone/salmeterol used for?
Fluticasone and salmeterol are a combination of two medicines that are used to help control the symptoms of asthma and improve breathing.
Who should not use Advair?
You should not take Advair Diskus if you have a severe allergy to milk proteins. If you are unsure if you have had a severe allergic reaction to milk proteins in the past, consult your doctor for further advice.
When should I stop taking Advair?
Speak with your doctor before you stop using Advair. They may suggest slowly decreasing your dosage over time to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms. They may also advise you to stop using Advair altogether if they feel it is safe to do so. Additionally, they may monitor your progress and adjust your dose as needed.
Resources
- https://www.advair.com/
- https://www.goodrx.com/fluticasone-salmeterol/what-is?label_override=fluticasone+%2F+salmeterol&sort_type=popularity&form=diskus-inhaler&=#warnings
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-20538/advair-diskus-inhalation/details
- https://www.healthgrades.com/drugs/advair-side-effects
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