Advair contains fluticasone and salmeterol. Fluticasone is a steroid. Advair prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Salmeterol is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.
Advair is used to prevent asthma attacks. It is also used to prevent flare-ups or worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema.
Advair comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use, and directions for priming the inhaler device if needed. Follow these directions carefully.
Salmeterol may increase the risk of asthma-related death. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks and benefits of using this medication.
Do not use Advair to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough. Use only a fast-acting inhalation medication.
Advair Diskus is a powder form of fluticasone and salmeterol that comes with a special inhaler device pre-loaded with blister packs containing measured doses of the medicine. The device opens and loads a blister each time you use the inhaler. This device is not to be used with a spacer.
Advair HFA is an aerosol form of fluticasone and salmeterol that comes in a canister that is used with an actuator inhaler device. Use only the inhaler device provided with Advair HFA. This device is not to be used with a spacer.
Shake the Advair HFA inhaler for at least 5 seconds before each spray.
Side effects:
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Advair: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
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bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing);
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fast or uneven heart beats, restless feeling, tremor;
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fever, chills, stabbing chest pain, cough with yellow or green mucus;
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blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
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white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips; or
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worsening asthma symptoms.
Less serious Advair side effects include:
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headache, dizziness;
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nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
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dry mouth, nose, or throat;
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stuffy nose, sinus pain, cough, sore throat; or
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hoarseness or deepened voice.