Advair Diskus is used to control asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with chronic bronchitis. It is an oral inhaler that contains two types of medication. One is fluticasone propionate, a steroid that reduces inflammation in the lungs. The other, salmeterol, is a long-acting bronchodilator that opens up the airways. Together, the two ingredients provide better symptom control than either does individually.
Advair Diskus is used for long-term control of asthma and short-term control of COPD associated with bronchitis. The drug won't end a sudden attack. For relief of acute asthma or bronchial symptoms, your doctor will prescribe a short-acting inhaler such as Proventil or Ventolin.
Advair Diskus should be used twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. You may be able to taste or feel your dose of Advair Diskus. Do not be concerned, however, if you can't detect anything. You're getting the proper dose whether you can taste the medication or not. Never exceed the recommended dose of one inhalation, twice daily.
Follow the detailed directions that came with the inhaler. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Some important points to keep in mind:
- to reduce the risk of developing an infection in your mouth rinse your mouth with water after each inhalation without swallowing.;
- never exhale into the diskus.;
- it is important to keep the diskus dry--do not wash any part of the mouthpiece or any part of the diskus.;
- do not use a "spacer" with advair diskus.;
- do not try to take the diskus apart.;
- always activate and use the diskus in a level horizontal position.;
When first using Advair Diskus, you may notice some improvement within 30 minutes, but its maximum benefits may take a week or more to appear.
- vomiting;
- upper respiratory infection or inflammation;
- sore throat;
- sinus problems;
- nausea;
- muscle pain;
- hoarseness;
- headaches;
- gastrointestinal discomfort and pain;
- fungal infection of the mouth;
- difficulty speaking;
- diarrhea;
- cough;
- bronchitis;
ADULTS
The recommended dosage of Advair Diskus is one inhalation twice daily. Take the inhalations morning and evening, 12 hours apart.
The product comes in three strengths. Your doctor will select the best strength for you based on your current therapy. If this selection fails to improve your symptoms after 2 weeks, the doctor may prescribe a higher strength.
CHILDREN
Advair Diskus can be used by adolescents 12 years of age and older. The dosage is the same as for adults.
Advair Diskus can sometimes be used to control asthma in children 4 to 11 years of age. For these children, only the lowest strength of medication is given.
Advair Diskus should not be used by children under 4 years of age.
