Asthma and breathing problems can be life-threatening, which is why all people with this condition need safe and efficient medications. Advair is a “magic wand” that improves breathing and suppresses the symptoms of asthma.

What is Advair (Fluticasone / Salmeterol)?

Advair is a medication that consists of two main ingredients:

  • fluticasone – the steroid that blocks the release of substances in human body promoting inflammation;
  • salmeterol – a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles of airways and helps to breathe.

Advair is used for inhalations to prevent (not to treat) immediate asthma attacks and worsening of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). In the second case, it is used as a long-term treatment.

Advair Diskus vs Advair HFA: What’s the difference?

These medications have the same contents and the same effects, but in different amounts. Advair Diskus contains 250 mcg of fluticasone and 50 mcg of salmeterol, while Advair HFA has 45 mcg of fluticasone and 21 mcg of salmeterol.

Besides, they’re produced in different forms. Advair Diskus is manufactured as a powder that is packed in a special inhaler device with blister packs that contain a measured dose. Each time you use the inhaler, the blister opens and loads. AdvairHFA is produced in a canister with an inhaler device. Only the doctor can define which form of medication to use: don’t start self-treatment without prescriptions and professional advice.

Advair Diskus is aimed at treating asthma in adults and kids 4 years and older, while Advair HFA can be used by patients 12 years and older. Those who use inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) medications for asthma control, don’t need Advair. Both variants of medications are prescribed for people who need ICS and long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) drugs simultaneously.

While Advair Diskus is used twice a day to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema, Advair HFA isn’t used as a treatment option for these conditions. Both variants of Advair cannot be used to treat acute breathing problems, e.g. they cannot be used instead of a rescue inhaler.

Advair Diskus Advair HFA
250 mcg of fluticasone and 50 mcg of salmeterol 45 mcg of fluticasone and 21 mcg of salmeterol
Powder Liquid spray

How to use Advair?

The first thing you should keep in mind is that Advair is NOT a rescue drug – it doesn’t give instant relief and should be used in combination with other medications to prevent sudden asthma outbreaks. If you’re experiencing an asthma attack, you should use a fast-acting inhalation medication.

Here’s a short instruction on how to use the product:

  1. Before spraying Advair Diskus, shake it for 5 seconds.
  2. Turn the Diskus to open. Slide the lever away from the mouthpiece – it should click. You will see that the number on the counter will show 1. That means the Diskus can be used.
  3. Exhale all the air you can, put the mouthpiece to your lips. Breathe deeply and quick through the Diskus. Don’t breathe through the nose.
  4. Turn the Diskus back – the mouthpiece should be closed totally, and you’ll hear a click. The device is ready to be used for your next dosage within 12 hours.

After every use of the inhaler, rinse your mouth with water without swallowing the medication – this way, you’ll avoid thrush.

Advair dosage

Do not start treatment until you get certain guidelines from your doctor. Use Advair exactly as was prescribed for you personally, and follow the directions written on the label. Do not change Advair dosage or duration of treatment – it can be dangerous for your health. Note that your dosage can be different if you’ve had a surgery, if you’re ill or under stress, or recently experienced an asthma attack. When you use an oral steroid medication like that, you should not cease your course suddenly – your doctor will instruct you on how to gradually reduce the dose and stop treatment.

What are Advair side effects?

Advair may cause a large number of side effects if taken incorrectly. If you develop some signs of allergic reaction to Advair (problem breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or hives), seek immediate medical help.

Besides, contact your doctor, if you have:

  1. Choking, wheezing, or some other complications in breathing after using the drug.
  2. Tremor, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, feeling of restlessness.
  3. Blurred vision, pain in eyes, seeing halos.
  4. Signs of high blood sugar (dry mouth, the urgency to urinate, drowsiness, dry skin, thirst).
  5. Signs of low potassium level (uneven heartbeat, serious thirst, discomfort in legs, weakness in muscles, confusion).
  6. A serious headache, nosebleed, pounding in neck or ears.
  7. Signs of hormonal disorders (muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, the sensation of being light-headed).

Pay attention that fluticasone can affect the growth in kids, so if you suspect your child is growing at an abnormal level when using this medication, please, contact the doctor.

Typical Advair side effects can include muscle pain, back pain, headache, vomiting and nausea, throat irritation, symptoms of cold (a sore throat, sneezing, stuffy nose), and cough, hoarse or deepened voice.

When NOT to use Advair?

People with an allergy to fluticasone or salmeterol should not use Advair – it can cause serious side effects and complications. Besides, this drug isn’t recommended for people with a serious allergy to milk proteins, asthma attacks or serious COPD symptoms. Since fluticasone weakens the immune system, the users of Advair can easily get infected, or have their infections worsened. If you used to have any disease or infection during the past few weeks, inform your doctor about it.

Besides, to ensure that Advair is safe for you, tell the specialist if you have ever experienced:

  • heart problems or high blood pressure;
  • seizures and epilepsy;
  • diabetes;
  • allergic reactions to food and drugs;
  • cataracts or glaucoma;
  • osteoporosis;
  • tuberculosis;
  • thyroid cancer;
  • any infection;
  • liver diseases.

Please note that long-term use of steroids causes bone loss, and the process is accelerated by smoking, lack of calcium and vitamin D in your diet, and family history of osteoporosis.

There is no information concerning the use of Advair by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Therefore, you should consult with a doctor before trying this medication, if you expect a baby, or nurse one. The medication is not suitable for children under 4 years.

Advair alternatives

Pretty often, medical insurance doesn’t cover Advair, and patients have to search for some alternative medications and cheaper versions. In Canadian Pharmacy, you can find several efficient asthma medications that won’t cost much.

Symbicort is a medication with effects similar to what Advair has: it’s suitable for long-term treatment of asthma, and is taken in combination with other drugs. Every dose of Symbicort is combined of 80 mcg or 160 mcg of budesonide and 4.5 mcg of formoterol. Symbicort features a special mechanism (a propellant) that disperses liquid particles that get absorbed into lungs. This is a convenient option for children who don’t like inhaling Advair powder or don’t have enough inhaling power.

There’s a large choice of steroids for treatment of asthma: they go right into the lungs and diminish the inflammation within airways to reduce the risk of attacks. Since steroids don’t give an instant effect, they aren’t used to treat sudden asthma attacks. Instead, they’re taken on a daily basis to improve the situation. Such brand drugs include Alvesco, Qvar, Pulmicort, Asmanex, Flovent, Aerobid, Azmacort.

Advair coupon

Did you know that you can be eligible to get an Advair coupon to reduce the price of medication? You will need to fill in a special form and provide information about your medical history and the current diagnosis. Some online pharmacies do reduce Advair price for people with asthma, COPD and other related diseases (it applies to US residents only).

Being suitable for children 4 years and older, Advair is one of the most widespread medications for long-term treatment of asthma and prevention of asthma attacks. Combined with other medications, it gives considerable benefits and improves well-being of patients suffering from asthma. However, prior to starting Advair course, you need to consult with a doctor and get strict guidelines concerning the use of this medication.


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