Warnings
Rarely, serious (sometimes fatal) asthma-related breathing problems have occurred with the use of long-acting inhaled beta agonists (e.g., salmeterol). This product contains salmeterol in combination with fluticasone (a corticosteroid). It is not known if adding a corticosteroid changes this risk. Therefore, in patients with asthma, this drug should only be prescribed when one long-term medication (e.g., inhaled corticosteroids) does not control breathing problems or when more than one long-term medication is clearly needed to control breathing problems. Before using this medication, it is important to learn how to use it properly. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with this medication with your doctor.
Uses
This product is a combination medication (salmeterol and fluticasone). It is used as a long-term (maintenance) treatment to prevent or decrease wheezing and trouble breathing caused by asthma or ongoing lung disease (e.g., COPD, emphysema). It works in the airways by decreasing swelling and relaxing muscles. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school. This medication does not work immediately and should not be used for sudden attacks of breathing trouble. Your doctor must prescribe a quick-relief medicine/inhaler (e.g., albuterol) for sudden shortness of breath/asthma attacks while you are on this medication. You should always have a quick-relief inhaler with you. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not use other long-acting inhaled beta agonists (e.g., formoterol) with this product since this may increase your risk for side effects. In patients with asthma, this medication should not be used when breathing problems can be controlled with inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., flunisolide, fluticasone) and occasional use of quick-relief inhalers. (See also Warning section.) If you are regularly taking corticosteroids by mouth (e.g., prednisone), you should not stop using them or use this inhaled medication instead. Continue to follow your doctor's instructions on taking the corticosteroids by mouth.
How to use Advair Diskus Inhl
Read the Medication Guide available from your pharmacist before you start using salmeterol/fluticasone and each time you get a refill. Refer to the illustrated directions provided by the manufacturer for directions on how to use this device. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Always activate and use this device in a level, horizontal position. Inhale this medication by mouth, usually twice daily in the morning and the evening (12 hours apart), or use as directed by your doctor. You may or may not taste/feel the drug when you inhale. Either is normal. Never exhale into the device. Do not use with a spacer. Never wash the mouthpiece or any part of the device. Do not take the inhaler apart. Gargle and rinse your mouth with water after using this medication to help prevent dryness and mouth infections (e.g., thrush) and relieve throat irritation. Do not swallow the rinse water. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly to receive the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not use it more than prescribed or use more than 1 inhalation twice daily since this may increase the risk of side effects. Do not stop taking this medication or change your dose without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. If you have been using a quick-relief inhaler (e.g., albuterol) on a regular daily schedule (such as 4 times daily), you must stop this schedule and only use it as needed for sudden shortness of breath/asthma attacks. Consult your doctor for details. If this medication stops working well, or you need to use your quick-relief inhaler more often than usual (4 or more puffs daily or use of more than 1 inhaler every 8 weeks), seek immediate medical attention. It may be a sign of worsening asthma, which is a serious condition. It may take 1 week or longer before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.