Drug Name

Advair Discus (Fluticasone/Salmeterol)

Drug Uses

Advair Diskus is used for long-term prevention and treatment of asthma and chronic lung diseases.

How Taken

Use Advair Diskus as directed by your doctor.

• Always activate and use this device in a level, horizontal position. Do not breathe into the inhaler. Do not use a spacer. Gargle and rinse your mouth with water after using Advair Diskus to prevent dryness and mouth infections and relieve throat irritation. Do not swallow the rinse solution.
• If you are using other inhalers, wait a few minutes between using Advair Diskus and other inhalers, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
• Advair Diskus delivers your dose as a very fine powder that most, but not all, patients can taste or feel. Whether you are able to taste or feel your dose of medicine, you should not take more than the recommended dose of 1 inhalation each morning and evening (approximately 12 hours apart). If you are not sure if you are receiving your dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• You may breathe more easily after the first dose of Advair Diskus . It may take 1 week or longer to achieve the most benefit. It is important that you use Advair Diskus regularly. Do not stop treatment even if you are feeling better unless your doctor tells you to do so.
• Never wash the mouthpiece or any other part of the inhaler. Keep it dry and always keep it in a dry place.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Advair Diskus improves lung function and makes breathing easier by reducing airway swelling and irritation and by causing muscle relaxation.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Advair Diskus , skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Advair Diskus at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a dry place. Store away from direct heat and sunlight, moisture, and light. The inhalation device is not reusable and should be discarded 1 month after removal from the moisture-protective foil overwrap pouch or after all blisters have been used, whichever comes first.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Advair Diskus if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Advair Diskus;
• you are having sudden symptoms of shortness of breath (eg, sudden severe onset or worsening of wheezing, cough, chest tightness).

• Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Advair Diskus will not stop an asthma attack once one has started. If you are also using another inhaler for asthma attacks, be sure to carry it with you at all times for use during an asthma attack.
• Try to avoid irritants that may trigger an asthma attack, such as smoke, pollen, pet dander, dust, or molds.
• Learn to use a peak flow meter, use it daily, and promptly report worsening of asthma (such as readings in the yellow or red range).
• Tell your doctor at once if your condition is getting worse, indicated by these situations: your inhaled, short-acting bronchodilator becomes less effective; you need more inhalation than usual of your inhaled, short-acting bronchodilator; you have asthma and you have a serious decrease in your peak flow measurement as previously defined by your doctor.
• Rarely, your wheezing may increase right after using Advair Diskus . If this occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler. Seek immediate medical attention if your breathing does not improve at that time.
• you have been taking oral steroids (eg, prednisone) on a regular basis (eg, 4 times a day or more than 20 mg/day of prednisone), you may need to stop taking the oral medicines before staring this one. Joint and muscle pain, lack of energy, and depression may occur when you stop taking oral steroids.
• Additional oral steroids may be needed during periods of high stress (eg, trauma, surgery, infection) or during a severe asthma attack. Carry a warning card indicating this potential need. You should have regular eye exams while on Advair Diskus .
• Avoid exposure to measles or chickenpox. If you are exposed, contact your doctor immediately.
• Diabetes patients - Advair Diskus may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Lab tests may be performed while you use this medicine. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Advair Diskus with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially effects on the heart.
• Advair Diskus should not be used in children younger than 4 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Advair Diskus while you are pregnant. Advair Diskus is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Advair Diskus.

Possible Side Effects

Cough; diarrhea; dizziness; dry mouth or throat; headache; hoarseness; nausea; nervousness; stomach pain; upper respiratory tract or viral infection; vomiting.

More Information

Advair Discus is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people