Advair Diskus
Advair Diskus, generically known as fluticasone and salmeterol is a steroid that is inhaled in order to prevent inflammation. Fluticasone works by preventing the release of the substances that cause inflammation. Salmetrerol is a bronchodialator. That is, it relaxes the airways and allows air to pass through.
Why Advair Diskus Is Prescribed?
Advair is usually prescribed for those who have asthma in order to prevent asthma attacks. It is also given to people who have chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Advair Diskus is prescribed to both adults and children. It is recommended that the child be at least 4 years old.
Risks of taking Advair Diskus:
Advair is prescribed to prevent asthma attacks; however you should not take Advair in the middle of an asthma attack that is already occurring. You should also avoid taking Advair if you are having severe COPD symptoms.
Taking steroids for a long period of time can cause bone loss, known as osteoporosis. The likelihood of this grows exponentially if you smoke, don’t have a sufficient amount of Vitamin D in your diet, don’t get enough calcium, or do not exercise.
Fluticasone and salmeterol can affect the growth of children. If your child is on Advair and you suspect that they are not growing normally, consult your doctor.
It is not completely known whether or not taking Advair can affect unborn babies or if it is passed through breast milk. Consult your doctor.
What to discuss with your doctor before taking Advair Diskus:
If you have allergies to fluticasone or salmeterol or milk proteins, you absolutely should tell your doctor so that he/she can prescribe you something you aren’t sensitive to.
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
• You have any allergies to medications, food, or otherwise
• You have high blood pressure or heart disease
• You have epilepsy or a seizure disorder
• You have glaucoma
• You have diabetes
• You have any infection and/or are taking antibiotics
• You have liver disease
• You have a thyroid disorder
This is an incomplete list, so it’s safest to mention any condition that you have so that your doctor can properly prescribe you medication.
Advair Diskus:
Advair Diskus is a powder form of fluticasone and salmeterol. It comes with an inhaler device with specific instructions for you to follow. Always take Advair exactly how your doctor prescribes it. Do not take it any more often than recommended by your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of Advair Diskus?
If you have any side effects that resemble an allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face or mouth, or difficulty breathing), seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Contact your doctor right away if you experience:
• Quicker heartbeat
• Blurred or tunnel vision
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing with green or yellow mucus
• Fever, chills, or swollen glands
• Severe headache
• Nosebleed
• Flu-like symptoms
If you have any sort of reaction that seems out of the ordinary, contact your doctor.
Click Here to Read Our Blog on Asthma
References: Please refer to the Patient Prescription Information included with your prescription for complete information about Advair Diskus or consult your pharmacist or doctor.
2. http://www.drugs.com/mtm/advair-diskus.html
3. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/copd
