Advair Diskus (Fluticasone and Salmeterol) Drug Information

  • Why is this medication prescribed?

    ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) is prescribed by the Physicians for the patients who are suffering from Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) can prevent and relieve the conditions of asthma, wheezing, dyspnoea (Shortness of breath), Pulmonary bronchitis associated with chronic pulmonary disease with or with out emphysema and coughing. ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) contains Fluticasone, a steroidal anti-inflammatory preparation that inhibits the secretion of harmful inflammatory chemicals in the body and Salmeterol, a long-acting bronchodilator drug, prevents the air way constriction by relaxing the bronchial muscles and improves the breathing and lung functions.

  • How should this medicine be used?

    The recommended dosage for the ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) is twice daily inhalations. ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) can be administered alone or along with the Corticosteroid inhalations or oral corticosteroids, that is used for the synergistic effect with the ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) to get the beneficial results in the breathing problems. The following instruction should be followed to take the ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) – two inhalations a day (morning and Evening Schedule with approximately 12 hours gap): (1) Inhale ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) first thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything except plain water. 2) Take ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) while you are sitting or standing up. 3) Inhale ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) properly and hold the breath for at least 3 – 5 seconds. Do not inhale ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) before or after coffee, tea, juice, milk or other dairy drinks immediately, that can aggravate the symptoms. After inhaling ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) you must wait at least 2 - 5 minutes BEFORE: 1) lying down. You may sit, stand, or do normal activities like read the newspaper or take a walk. 2) Eating or drinking anything except plain water. Keep inhaling the inhaler of ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) for as long as your health care provider tells you to do so. To treat your asthma and Bronchitis or keep you from these symptoms, you have to take ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) as often and in the way ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol)) as prescribed. Increasing the dosage of ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) will not be useful in the severe asthma and it can lead to risk of asthma related death

  • Other uses for this medicine

    This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

  • What special precautions should I follow?

    Before taking Fluticasone and Salmetero:

    • Inhale ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
    • Shake the inhaler well before use.
    • It is important to rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after using ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol).
    • To keep tracking the number of sprays you have used, do not use the ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) after 120 puffs of sprays.
    • ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) does not replace fast-acting inhalers for sudden onset of symptoms.
    • ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) may not be useful after the onset of the severe asthmatic problems. In this case, call your Physician right away.
    • ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) can be taken with or without food.
    • For ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) dosage one must follow his doctor's instructions.
    • If you are using steroidal medication already, do not stop abruptly, as it can cause withdrawal syndrome or other unpleasant side-effects.
    • It is important to take ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) regularly to get the most benefit, as directed by the Physician.
    • Do not use similar inhaling medications, with out Physician’s advice, while you use ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol).
    • Do not stop taking ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) without first talking to your doctor, even if you are feeling well. Even after your asthmatic symptoms improve, you may require continuous treatment for quite some time, as directed by the Physician.
    • If your problem exists or worsens, do not take excess ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) medication. Consult your Physician right away.
    • Do not try to reuse the canister. Discard the whole device safely after use.
    • Do not throw the device in a burning flame.
    • Keep ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) away from children and pets.
  • What special dietary instructions should I follow?

    Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

  • What should I do if I forget a dose?

    Take the missed dose of ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) as soon as you remember, during the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed puff-dose and take ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) next day as routine dose. Do not take a double dose of the puff- medication that can lead to the asthma related iatrogenic complications including death.

  • What side effects can this medication cause?

    The serious and the common side effects of the ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) are the Oral thrush (oral candiadiasis), throat irritation, hoarseness or change in the voice, muscle and bone pain, severe or intermittent headache, respiratory infections including the viral origin, bronchospasm (tightness or difficult in breathing, arrthymia, tremors, tachycardia, nervousness, pain in the eye and the worsening of the vision, fever and chills, even worsening of the asthma symptoms, excess secretion of the sputum, stabbing chest pain of unknown cause, whitening or discoloration in the lips and the tongue, dry mouth, nausea or vomiting, stuffy nose, urticaria like skin reactions, cough and sore throat.

  • What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

    Store ADVAIR (fluticasone and salmeterol) as per the instructions on the label. Do not keep in the car or any hot place.

  • In case of emergency/overdose

    In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

  • What other information should I know?

    Keep all appointments with your doctor.

    Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

    It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

  • Brand Names

    • Advair®