Advair HFA
Generic Name: Salmeterol
What is Advair HFA?
Advair HFA contains two medicines, fluticasone propionate (Flovent) and salmeterol (Serevent). Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid that helps decrease inflammation in the lungs, which can lead to asthma symptoms. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) used to help relax the muscles around the airways in your lungs, helping to prevent symptoms of asthma such as wheezing and shortness of breath.What is the most important information I should know about Advair HFA?
Because medications such as salmeterol may increase the risk of asthma-related death, you should only use Advair HFA if your asthma is not adequately controlled on other medications or the severity of your asthma warrants treatment with two maintenance therapies.Advair HFA does not relieve sudden breathing problems. Always have a short-acting "rescue" medicine, such as an albuterol inhaler, with you to treat sudden breathing problems.
Call you doctor if breathing problems worsen over time while taking Advair HFA. You may need a different treatment.
Get emergency medical care if breathing problems worsen quickly, or if your rescue inhaler does not relieve your breathing problems.
Advair HFA may cause a reduction in growth in children, so this medication should be maintained at the lowest dose that effectively controls asthma symptoms.
Who should not take Advair HFA?
Do not use Advair HFA to treat sudden symptoms of asthma.Do not use Advair HFA if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Advair HFA?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking to avoid a possible interaction with Advair HFA. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have diabetes, heart or liver problems, high blood pressure, seizures, osteoporosis, and problems with your immune system or thyroid. Also let your doctor know if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. It is also important to notify your doctor if you are exposed to chickenpox, measles, or other infections.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults and adolescents ≥12 years: The usual dosage is 2 inhalations twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening, 12 hours apart).
How should I take Advair HFA?
For the proper use of Advair HFA and to attain maximum improvement, read and follow the "Instructions for Use" in the Medication Guide accompanying the product.Prime the inhaler before using it for the first time so that you can get the right amount of medicine.
If you have not used your inhaler in more than 4 weeks or if you have dropped it, shake it well for 5 seconds and spray it twice into the air, away from your face. Shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds right before each use.
Always rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after you use the inhaler. Do not swallow the water.
Clean the inhaler at least once a week after your evening dose. Discard the inhaler after 120 sprays have been used. Do not immerse the canister into water to determine the amount remaining in the canister.
What should I avoid while taking Advair HFA?
Do not change or stop any of your medications to control or treat your asthma symptoms. Speak to your doctor before using any other inhaled products.What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Advair HFA?
If Advair HFA is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Advair HFA with: beta-blockers, ketoconazole, diuretics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, ritonavir, or tricyclic antidepressants.What are the possible side effects of Advair HFA?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: allergic reactions including breathing problems, facial swelling, hives, rash, swelling of the mouth or tongue, chest pain, eye problems, fast and irregular heartbeat, headache, immune system effects and a higher chance of infection (especially upper respiratory tract infection), increased blood pressure, lower bone mineral density, throat irritation
Can I receive Advair HFA if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Advair HFA during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Advair HFA?
If you miss a dose of Advair HFA, skip that dose. Take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Advair HFA?
Store at room temperature with the mouthpiece facing downward. Do not store near heat or open flame.
I'm Shereen A. Gharbia, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
