What is Advair Diskus?
Advair Diskus is an inhalation powder prescribed to treat asthma. It is also administered to patients with CODP (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Advair Diskus is not used in treatment of severe symptoms of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and nevertheless does not substitute the rescue inhaler. Advair Diskus is prescribed only in cases asthma cannot be controlled with an inhaled corticosteroid, also called long-term asthma control medicine. The active ingredient of Advair Diskus is fluticasone-salmeterol.
Before taking Advair Diskus
Before starting to use Advair Diskus, make sure you consult a doctor. He needs to know if you are hypersensitive to fluticasone, salmeterol or lactose - the inactive ingredient. One may be/ become allergic to one of these ingredients. Also, your doctor has to study your medical history and determine if you:
- Have eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma;
- Suffered from such infections as herpes;
- Have hypertension (high blood pressure);
- Have liver disorders;
- Have heart disease;
- Have diabetes
- Have thyroid problems;
- Have a weak immune system and are sensitive to medications;
- Have other diseases whose interaction with Advair Diskus may cause difficulties in breathing or other serious side effects.
Another important remark is to carefully read the medication guide that comes with this medicine because it may include additional information, previously not discussed with the doctor.
Advair Diskus’ Precautions
When starting to use Advair Diskus, make sure you follow and understand all the treatment’ directions, the number of inhalations per day, all side effects associated with this specific medication and duration of treatment. It is contraindicated to use Advair Diskus in the following situations:
- You are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment; Advair Diskus may harm your unborn baby because the risks cannot be anticipated; always consult your healthcare provider for any questions;
- You are breastfeeding, it is unknown whether Advair Diskus passes into the milk or not; in order to avoid any complications during the use of Advair Diskus, inform the doctor and get well informed;
- You have measles or chickenpox;
- You need an immediate relief for an acute bronchospasm;
- Advair Diskus cannot be used for people whose asthma is already controlled on low or medium doses of inhaled corticosteroids;
How to use Advair Diskus?
It is important to be acknowledged about precautions of this medication and to follow the exact directions of usage without changing the doses. Do not stop the treatment suddenly or use it more often than approved by doctor. The usual dose of Advair Diskus is one inhalation two times a day, normally in the morning and in the evening. It is recommended a pause of 12 hours between inhalations. After using Advair Diskus make sure you rinse your mouth with a glass of water. Advair Diskus comes in 3 strengths; your doctor has to prescribe the most suitable for your medical condition. It is important to follow doctor’s instructions because if any difficulties in breathing occur after the use of Advair Diskus, doses need to be adjusted. If prescribed to children, adult monitoring is strongly advised during Advair Diskus inhalations. Follow the exact instructions of the child’s healthcare provider. While using Advair Diskus two times a day, do not use other medications that contain β2-agonists (LABAs) and tell your doctor about all the other medications you take; their interaction with Advair Diskus may be dangerous and cause serious adverse reactions. Do not stop the use of Advair Diskus unless instructed by the doctor, because the symptoms may get worse. Contact your doctor and seek immediate medical attention if:
- Have asthma and after 1 week of regular use of Advair Diskus your symptoms do no improve;
- There is need for an additional rescue inhaler to relieve and treat the sudden symptoms; most of the time patients need a bronchodilator that cannot be used without doctor’s prescription;
- Use the bronchodilator more often than should;
- Symptoms get worse while using Advair Diskus.
Possible adverse reactions while using Advair Diskus
Like any other medication, Advair Diskus may cause side effects. Most of the time, these are related to difficulties in breathing. If you experience one of the following side effects with Advair Diskus, seek immediate medical care. The most common side effects relate to asthma and these are:
- Headache;
- Throat irritation;
- Cough
- Bronchitis;
- Upper respiratory tract infection;
- Voice changes and thrush;
- Vomiting and nausea;
Less common and more serious side effects include:
- Sudden breathing problems that occur immediately after the use of Advair Diskus with effects on heart (chest pain, high blood pressure or irregular heartbeats) and with effects on nervous system (nervousness, tremor);
- Eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma. It is recommended during treatment with Advair Diskus to perform regular eye exams;
- Weakened immune system;
- Reduced adrenal function that may manifest in loss of energy;
- Pneumonia; Advair Diskus increases the chances of getting pneumonia; the symptoms are: fever, chills, persistent and acute cough, difficulties in breathing;
- Serious allergic reactions- rash, swelling of the face, tongue and mouth;
- Lower bone mineral density (for patients who have osteoporosis);
- Changes in blood cells; it is important to perform regular blood tests before and during treatment to see whether the level of potassium, sugar or white cells is normal;
- Slowed growth at children.
If you miss a dose of Advair Diskus
If you miss a dose of Advair Diskus take it as soon as you remember, but try to follow the 12 hours pause between inhalations. It is not recommended to take a double dose to make up for the skipped one.
How to store Advair Diskus?
Like all the medicines it is recommended to store Advair Diskus at room temperature between 68 to 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C). Store it in a dry, clean place, away from heat, direct sunlight and moisture. Also, try to keep out of reach of children and pets. Safely discard Advair Diskus according to doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions.