Advair Diskus

Generic name: Fluticasone propionate and salmeterol

What is Advair Diskus?

Advair Diskus contains 2 medicines, fluticasone propionate (Flovent) and salmeterol (Serevent). Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid medicine, which helps to decrease inflammation in the lungs. Inflammation in the lungs can lead to asthma symptoms. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) medicine used in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulomonary disease (COPD). LABA medicines help relax the muscles around the airways in your lungs, helping to prevent symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.

What is the most important information I should know about Advair Diskus?

Because long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) medicines such as salmeterol may increase the risk of asthma-related death, you should only use Advair Diskus if your asthma is not adequately controlled on other medications or the severity of your asthma warrants treatment with 2 maintenance therapies.

Advair Diskus does not relieve sudden symptoms. Always have a short-acting beta2-agonist medicine with you to treat sudden symptoms.

Patients with COPD have a greater chance of developing pneumonia. Advair Diskus may increase your risk of pneumonia. Call your doctor if you experience any symptoms of pneumonia, which include an increase in mucus (sputum) production, change in mucus color, fever, chills, increased cough, or increased breathing problems.

Do not stop using Advair Diskus unless told to do so by your doctor; your symptoms may get worse.

Call you doctor if breathing problems worsen over time while taking Advair Diskus. You may need a different treatment.

Get emergency medical care if your breathing problems worsen, or if you use a short-acting beta2-agonist medicine which fails to relieve your breathing problems.

Who should not take Advair Diskus?

Do not use Advair Diskus if your asthma is well controlled with another drug or you only need short-acting drugs occasionally. Do not use Advair Diskus as primary treatment of acute episodes of asthma or COPD when intensive measures are required.

Do not use Advair Diskus if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, such as milk proteins.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Advair Diskus?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Advair Diskus, especially if you are taking ritonavir, an anti-HIV drug. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have allergies to other drugs or foods, diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, immune system problems, liver or kidney problems, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have seizures, a thyroid disorder, weak bones (osteoporosis), or you are exposed to chickenpox or measles.

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.

The usual dosage of Advair Diskus is 1 inhalation twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening, 12 hours apart).

Do not use Advair Diskus more often or at higher doses than recommended.

How should I take Advair Diskus?

Hold the Advair Diskus in 1 hand and place the thumb of your other hand on the thumbgrip. Push your thumb away as far as it will go until you see the mouthpiece and it snaps into position. Use Advair Diskus in a level, flat position.

Slide the lever away from you as far as it will go until it clicks. Before inhaling, breathe out fully, holding the Diskus level and away from your mouth. Remember to never breath into the Advair Diskus.

Put the mouthpiece to your lips and breathe in quickly and deeply. Do not breathe in through your nose. Remove the Diskus from your mouth and hold your breath for about 10 seconds or as long as you can. Slowly breathe out.

After each dose, rinse your mouth with water and spit out. Close the Advair Diskus by placing your thumb on the thumbgrip and slide it back towards you as far as it will go; it will click shut.

What should I avoid while taking Advair Diskus?

Avoid using a spacer device with this medication.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Advair Diskus?

If Advair Diskus is used 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 Diskus with ritonavir,ketoconazole, monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants, beta-blockers, or with nonpotassium-sparing diuretics, such as loop or thiazide diuretics.

While you are taking Advair Diskus, do not use other medicines that contain a long-acting beta2-agonist, or LABA. Other LABA medicines include Serevent Diskus (salmeterol xinafoate inhalation powder) or Foradil Aerolizer (formoterol fumarate inhalation powder).

What are the possible side effects of Advair Diskus?

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: serious allergic reactions, including rash, hives, facial swelling, swelling of the mouth or tongue, breathing problems. Also, increased blood pressure, fast and irregular heartbeat, chest pain, headache, tremor, nervousness, immune system effects and a greater chance of infections, lower bone mineral density, eye problems including glaucoma and cataracts, slowed growth in children, throat irritation, hoarseness and voice changes, fungal infection in the mouth and throat (thrush), cough, headache, nausea and vomiting

Can I receive Advair Diskus if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Advair Diskus 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 Diskus?

If you miss a dose of Advair Diskus, skip that dose. Take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

How should I store Advair Diskus?

Store at room temperature in a dry place, away from heat and sunlight. Safely discard Advair Diskus 1 month after it is removed from the foil pouch or after the dose indicator reads "0," whichever comes first.