Common use

Advair Diskus is applied in treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with chronic bronchitis. It is sold in form of an oral inhaler and contains 2 medicines, fluticasone propionate (Flovent) and salmeterol (Serevent). Fluticasone propionate is a corticosteroid substance which reduces inflammation in the lungs. Salmeterol, a beta2-agonist (LABA), relaxes smooth muscles of bronchi, widens them and has prolonged activity. Mutual work of the two ingredients prevents wheezing and shortness of breath.



Dosage and direction

Advair Diskus should be used twice daily: in morning and evening, 12 hours apart. Do not take it more often than prescribed, excessive use can aggravate heart irregularities. Caution is needed if you are treated with this medication and have any kind of heart disorder or high blood pressure.



Precautions

Sudden interruption of regular Advair Diskus intake is risky by worsening of your condition if you are treated for asthma and other breathing problems (such as emphysema or bronchitis). This drug is not used to stop a sudden attack of acute asthma or bronchitis. Do not take this medication if your asthma is well controlled with another drug or only occasional use of short-acting drugs is necessary. Inform your doctor if you are taking ritonavir, an anti-HIV drug, if you had a history of allergy, diabetes, heart disorders, high blood pressure, problems with immune system, liver or kidney failure, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, if you suffer from a thyroid disorder, seizures, osteoporosis, or you are exposed to chickenpox or measles.



Contraindications

Advair Diskus cannot be used in the primary treatment of status asthmaticus, acute episodes of asthma or COPD. Administration of Advair Diskus is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the medication. The medication cannot be administered in children under 4 y.o.



Possible side effects

This medication may increase pneumonia risk. If you experience such symptoms as fever, chills, increase in mucus (sputum) production, change in mucus color, increased cough, or increased breathing problems they may be signs of pneumonia. Check with your doctor immediately as well as if your breathing problems worsen during treatment with Advair Diskus.



Drug interactions

Inform your doctor if you are taking "tricyclics" antidepressants (amitriptyline hydrochloride, imipramine hydrochloride), antidepressants from MAO inhibitors class (phenelzine sulfate, tranylcypromine sulfate), beta blockers to control blood pressure (atenolol, propranolol hydrochloride), ketoconazole, long-acting inhalers (formoterol, salmeterol xinafoate), ritonavir, diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide).



Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not increase your recommended dose. Take your doses at about the same time each day to avoid missing a dose.



Overdose

If you experience severe headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, tremor they may be symptoms of overdose. Contact your doctor as you may need immediate medical care.



Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture, sunlight, kids and pets in a tight container.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.