Advair Diskus (Fluticasone/Salmeterol)

Advair Diskus is indicated for the following:

• Asthma: It is used to treat asthma in patients 4 years and older who need both an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) medicine. It is not for adults and children with asthma who are well controlled with an asthma control medicine, such as an ICS medicine.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Advair Diskus 250/50 is a twice-daily prescription medicine used long-term to treat COPD, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both, for better breathing and fewer flare-ups. It is also clinically proven to help reduce the number of COPD exacerbations in people who have had an exacerbation.

Warnings

Advair Diskus is not used to relieve sudden breathing problems from asthma or COPD and won't replace a rescue inhaler.

Many other drugs may affect this medication, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed; discuss all medications and supplements with a healthcare provider.

If Advair Diskus is suddenly stopped, withdrawal symptoms such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, and dizziness may occur.Consult a healthcare provider before discontinuing the medication.

Healthcare providers should only prescribe Advair Diskus for patients not adequately controlled on a long-term asthma control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid, or whose disease severity clearly warrants initiation of treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and a LABA. Regular assessment of the patient is necessary, and therapy should be stepped down if possible without loss of asthma control.

Do's

• Follow the prescribed dosage of Advair Diskus as directed by your healthcare provider. 
• Use this medication as directed by your healthcare provider, usually twice daily (in the morning and evening) 12 hours apart. 
• Inhale the medication by mouth as directed. 
• Close the device after each use. 
• Wait at least 1 minute between the use of each medication if you are using other inhalers at the same time and use Advair Diskus last. 
• Gargle, rinse your mouth with water and spit out after each use to prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and oral yeast infections. 
• Use Advair Diskus regularly at evenly spaced times to get the most benefit from it. 
• Wait for 1 week or longer to get the full benefit of this drug. 
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or worsens. 
• Consult your healthcare provider for details on how to adjust the use of a quick-relief inhaler while using Advair Diskus. 
• Refer to the complete Prescribing Information or consult a healthcare provider for more detailed information and instructions on how to use Advair Diskus. 

Don'ts 

• Don't exhale into the device. 
• Don't take the inhaler apart or wash the mouthpiece or any part of the device. 
• Don't use other long-acting beta agonists while using Advair Diskus. 
• Don't swallow the rinse water used for gargling and rinsing your mouth after using Advair Diskus. 
• Do not stop taking a different corticosteroid unless directed by your healthcare provider if you are regularly taking it by mouth. 

The dosage of Advair Diskus is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment.  

Common Side Effects:

• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Throat irritation
• Hoarseness and voice changes
• Thrush in the mouth or throat
• Bronchitis
• Cough
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Viral respiratory infections
• Muscle and bone pain
• Dizziness
• Infections in the ear, nose, and throat

Less Common Side Effects:

• Hypothyroidism
• Abnormal liver function tests
• Hypercorticism 

Other Potential Side Effects:

• Weight gain
• Throat irritation 

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while using Advair Diskus, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.