What is Advair Diskus?
Diskus to Inhale is a bronchodilator and steroid combination medication used to treat asthma attacks. It can also be used to stop the onset or progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), caused by the chronic condition of bronchitis or emphysema.
For people suffering from COPD, Advair Diskus is a long-term treatment. For asthma sufferers, Advair Diskus is for temporary therapy until asthma symptoms have been controlled by other medicines.
The Advair Diskus is intended for adults and children who are at least four years old. The Advair HFA and AirDuo Respiclick are intended for use by children and adults who are at least 12 years old.
Advair Diskus can also be used for other purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.
Side Effects of Advair Diskus
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergy, such as asthma, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,
Advair Diskus may cause serious side effects. Consult your physician immediately if you suffer from the following:
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Wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems may follow the use of this medicine.
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Fever, chills, cough with mucus, feeling drained of breath
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Chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeats chest pain, irregular heartbeats, an intense headache, and a pounding neck or in your ears;
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Tremors, nervousness;
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Blurred vision blurred vision, pain in the eyes, or seeing halos around light sources;
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Indications of symptoms of thrush (a fungal
infection) --sores or white patches on your throat or mouth; trouble swallowing
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High blood sugar (increased thirst, more frequent urine output, dry mouth, and fruity breath smell);
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Low potassium level causing leg muscle cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering around your chest, a sudden increase in thirst or the need to urinate, tingling or numbness in muscles, or an aching sensation;
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Indications of a hormonal disorder: worsening fatigue and weakness Also, you may feel lightheaded or nauseated.
Fluticasone could influence the growth of children. Consult your physician if you suspect that your child isn't growing normally on this drug.
Common negative consequences of Advair Diskus can include:
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Headache, muscle pain, bone pain, back pain;
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Nausea, vomiting;
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Thrush and throat irritation
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Continuous cough, hoarseness, or a voice that is deep;
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Symptoms of a cold, such as a stuffy nose, sneezing, or sore throat,
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An ear irritation (in a child)—fever and ear pain, sensation of fullness, difficulty hearing, drainage of the ear, and a feeling of numbness.
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Advair Diskus does not function as a medicine for emergency use. It won't work quickly enough to treat asthma attacks or bronchospasm.
Consult a doctor if you're suffering from more severe breathing issues or if you believe the medications you're taking aren't effective enough.
Before you Take this Drug
You shouldn't take Advair Diskus if you're intolerant to fluticasone, salmeterol, or
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If you have an extreme allergic reaction to milk protein or
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If you're experiencing asthma attacks or have severe COPD symptoms.
Fluticasone may have an adverse effect on your immune system, making it easier for you to catch an infection or making one that you already have or have recently had worse. Any infection or illness you have experienced over the past few weeks should be brought up with your doctor..
Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
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Glaucoma or cataracts
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the heart condition (also known as excessive blood pressure);
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A seizure;
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Diabetes;
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An allergy to a particular food or drug;
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A weak immune system
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Any type of disease (bacterial, fungal, or parasitic);
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Osteoporosis;
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An thyroid disorder; or
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Kidney disease or liver problems
The long-term use of steroids can cause bone loss (osteoporosis), particularly when you smoke, are not active, do not get sufficient calcium or vitamin D from your food, or have a history of osteoporosis in your family. Discuss with your physician regarding your risks.
Consult your physician if you are expecting. It's not clear if this medication can harm an unborn child. If untreated or controlled, asthma during pregnancy can result in complications such as preterm birth as well as the condition known as eclampsia (dangerously elevated blood pressure that could lead to medical problems for both the mother and baby). The advantages of treating asthma can outweigh the risks for the baby.
It might not be safe to breastfeed while taking this medication. Consult your physician about any potential risks.
Don't give the medication to an infant without medical guidance.
How to Take Advair Diskus?
Follow the directions on the prescription label and go through all medication guides or instruction sheets. Make sure you use the medicine according to the directions. If you take too much of this medication, it can result in serious adverse effects.
Advair Diskus isn't an asthma treatment that can be used to treat asthma attacks caused by bronchospasm.
Use only fast-acting inhalation medication for an attack. Consult a doctor if your breathing issues get worse rapidly or you believe that your asthma medication isn't functioning as well.
Advair Diskus is a liquid form of salmeterol and fluticasone that comes with an inhaler device loaded with blister packs that include doses of the medication that have been measured. Advair HFA and AirDuo Respiclick each come in a canister that can be used by the actuator device for inhalers.
Make sure to take the medicine every day. Make sure you use only the inhaler device included in the medication.
The inhaler should be shaken
for
at least 5 seconds prior to each spray.
Do not let a small child take this medication without the assistance of an adult.
Take note of and follow the instructions for use that come with your medication. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor for clarification if you are unsure of the instructions.
Cleanse the mouth using water, but refrain from swallowing every time you use your inhaler.
Your dose needs may change due to surgery, illness, stress, or a recent asthma attack. Don't alter your dose or schedule without consulting your physician.
If you are also taking an oral steroid medication, it is not recommended to stop taking it at once. Follow the instructions of your physician about increasing your dosage.
If you are using an oximeter that you have at home, consult your physician when your results are lower than what is normal.
Your vision as well as your bone mineral density could require regular checks.
Place your medicine in a cool, dry place away from moisture, sunlight, and heat. Avoid high temperatures, open flames, or being inside a vehicle during a hot summer day.
Be sure to follow the disposal and storage instructions that come with your prescription.
If your asthma is now at a level that is manageable, your doctor might suggest that you discontinue using the medication. Don't stop taking the medication unless your physician tells you to.
What Happens If I Miss the Dose?
Don't miss the dose you missed; take the next dose at the normal time. Don't take two doses at the same time.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms can include chest discomfort, a fast heart rate, and feeling shakey or out of breath.
In the long run, an inhaled steroid could cause cataracts, glaucoma, and thinning skin. It can also cause changes in the body's fat (especially around your neck, face, back, waist, and face) and a rise in facial hair or acne, menstrual disorders, impotence, or a loss of interest in sexual activity.
What Should be Avoided?
Beware of those with illnesses or who suffer from infections. Contact your doctor to receive preventive care when you've been in contact with chickenpox as well as measles. These illnesses can be very serious or even fatal for those who take steroid medications like fluticasone.
Do not take another inhaled bronchodilator until your doctor has instructed you to. It includes formoterol (Perforomist, Symbicort, Bevespi, and Dulera) or arformoterol (Brovana) or indacaterol (Arcapta) and olodaterol (Striverdi, Stiolto Respimat) and salmeterol (Serevent), as well as Vilanterol (Anoro Ellipta, Breo Ellipta, and Trelegy Ellipta).
Interaction with Other Drugs
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications simultaneously. Certain medications can alter the blood levels and the other drugs that you take, which can create side effects or render the medication less effective.
Inform your doctor about all other medications, particularly:
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Antifungal medicine, or
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Medicines for treating HIV and AIDS.
This isn't a complete list, and other medications may influence Advair Diskus. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. The interactions of all drugs are included here.
