Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Fluticasone and salmeterol are commonly prescribed to alleviate difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness stemming from asthma. This medication combination is also employed to prevent and treat similar symptoms caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of lung conditions encompassing chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
The use of fluticasone and salmeterol is authorized for adults and children aged four years and above. Fluticasone belongs to a class of drugs called steroids, and it functions by decreasing inflammation in the airways. Salmeterol belongs to a group of drugs called long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs), and it operates by easing and widening air passages in the lungs, facilitating breathing.
Uses and Dosage
Your inhaler should be used in a level, flat position or a vertical position, depending on the brand. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily, with a 12-hour interval between doses. It is normal not to taste or feel the drug when inhaling. Do not exhale into the inhaler and do not take it apart or wash the mouthpiece or any other part of the device.
If you are using other inhalers simultaneously, wait at least 1 minute between using each medication and use this drug last.
To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and oral yeast infections, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each use. Do not swallow the rinse water.
Use this medication regularly and at the same time(s) each day to receive the most benefit from it. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently, or stop using it without consulting your doctor.
If you have been using a quick-relief inhaler regularly, you should stop this schedule and use the quick-relief inhaler only as needed for sudden shortness of breath or asthma attacks.
If you are taking a different corticosteroid by mouth, do not stop taking it unless directed by your doctor. Some conditions, such as asthma or allergies, may worsen when the drug is abruptly stopped, causing withdrawal symptoms. To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may gradually reduce the dose of your old medication after you begin using fluticasone/salmeterol.
It may take up to a week or longer before you experience the full benefit of this medication. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- body aches or pain
- choking
- congestion
- dryness of the throat
- high-pitched noise when breathing
- hoarseness
- runny nose
- sneezing
- trouble with swallowing
- voice changes
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- black, tarry stools
- blindness
- blurred vision
- burning, tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
- chills
- cough
- decreased vision
- difficulty with breathing or swallowing
- eye pain
- fast heartbeat
- fever
- headache
- hives or welts, skin itching, rash, or redness
- large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- nausea
- noisy breathing
- painful or difficult urination
- sensation of pins and needles
- sore throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
- stabbing pain in the arms or legs
- swollen glands
- tearing
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- vomiting
Caution
Prior to using this product, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, including to fluticasone or salmeterol, or any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, such as lactose or milk proteins, which may lead to allergic reactions or other issues.
Before using this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist of your medical history, particularly if you have or have had current or past infections (such as tuberculosis, herpes), high blood pressure, osteoporosis, heart disease (such as chest pain, heart attack, or irregular heartbeat), hyperthyroidism, diabetes, eye problems (such as cataracts or glaucoma), seizures, or liver disease.
Salmeterol may cause QT prolongation, which is a condition that affects the heart rhythm. QT prolongation may rarely lead to serious (sometimes fatal) fast or irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness or fainting), which require immediate medical attention.
This medication may mask signs of infection, increase your likelihood of developing infections, or worsen any existing infections. Avoid contact with individuals who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, or flu).
If you have switched from a corticosteroid taken orally, such as prednisone tablets, to this inhaler within the previous 12 months or if you have been using this product in higher-than-usual doses for an extended period, it may be more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress.
Before having surgery or emergency treatment or if you experience a severe illness or injury, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used a corticosteroid taken orally within the previous 12 months. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience unusual or extreme tiredness or weight loss. Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet indicating that you use or have used corticosteroid medications.
Older adults with COPD may be at higher risk for pneumonia when using this drug. Older adults may also be more susceptible to the side effects of this medication, particularly QT prolongation.
This medication may temporarily slow down the growth of a child if used for an extended period. Ensure that the doctor regularly checks your child’s height.
During pregnancy, this medication should only be used when necessary. Please consult your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits.
It is uncertain whether this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Advair is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Advair diskus:
- 100/50mcg
- 250/50mcg
- 500/50mcg
-
fluticasone and salmeterol diskus:
- 100/50mcg
- 250/50mcg
- 500/50mcg
FAQ
Is Advair a steroid inhaler?
Yes. Advair is a mixture of a steroid (fluticasone) and a long-acting bronchodilator (salmeterol).
Is Advair better than an inhaled steroid alone?
Yes. It works better than inhaled corticosteroids alone (even at high doses) if you have moderate, persistent asthma.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/advair/advair-asthma-most-common-questions-answers
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699063.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/fluticasone-and-salmeterol-inhalation-route/side-effects/drg-20063110?p=1
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-20538/advair-diskus-inhalation/details
- https://www.goodrx.com/fluticasone-salmeterol/what-is
- https://www.drugs.com/advair.html
