Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) Indications

Advair Diskus is a combination medication containing the inhaled corticosteroid fluticasone (also known as a steroid, which helps decrease inflammation in the lungs) and a long-acting beta₂-adrenergic agonist salmeterol (also referred to as a LABA, which helps muscles in the airways of your lungs stay relaxed to prevent symptoms of asthma). This medication is indicated for:

1. Twice-daily treatment of asthma in patients aged 4 years and older:
2. Maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction and reduction of exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD):

Advair Diskus is not used to relieve sudden breathing problems and will not replace a rescue inhaler.

Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) Use and Dosage

Advair Diskus is intended for oral inhalation use only.

Instructions for using your Advair Diskus:

1. Take Advair Diskus out of the foil pouch just before using it for the first time. It will be in the closed position.
2. Slide the lever away from the mouthpiece as far as it will go until you hear it click. The number on the counter will count down by 1.
3. Put the mouthpiece to your lips. Breathe in quickly and deeply through the Diskus; do not breathe in through your nose.
4. Remove the Diskus from your mouth and hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or for as long as is comfortable for you. Breathe out slowly as long as you can.
5. To close the Diskus, place your thumb in the thumb grip and slide it back towards you as far as it will go.
6. Rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after breathing in the medicine.

The recommended dosage of Advair Diskus is as follows:

Treatment of asthma in patients aged 12 years and older:

1 inhalation of Advair Diskus 100/50, 250/50, or 500/50 twice daily. The starting dosage is based on the severity of asthma symptoms.

Treatment of asthma in patients aged 4 to 11 years:

1 inhalation of Advair Diskus 100/50 twice daily

Maintenance treatment of COPD:

1 inhalation of Advair Diskus 250/50 twice daily

It is important to follow the prescribed dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider, and the specific dosage may vary depending on your individual medical condition.

Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) Side Effects

Common side effects of Advair Diskus include:

Asthma

• Upper respiratory tract infection or inflammation
• Throat irritation
• Hoarseness and voice changes
• Oral thrush
• Bronchitis
• Cough
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting

COPD

• Thrush in your mouth or throat
• Throat irritation
• Hoarseness and voice changes
• Viral respiratory infections
• Headaches
• Muscle and bone pain

Serious side effects associated with Advair Diskus include:

• Fungal infection in the mouth or throat (thrush)
• Pneumonia
• Weakened immune system and increased chance of developing infections (immunosuppression).
• Reduced adrenal function (adrenal insufficiency)
• Sudden breathing problems immediately after inhaling your medicine
• Serious allergic reactions
• Increased blood pressure, a fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain.
• Tremor, nervousness
• Bone thinning or weakness (osteoporosis)
• Slowed growth in children
• Eye problems (glaucoma, cataracts, changes in vision)
• Changes in laboratory blood levels (glucose, potassium, certain types of blood cells)

Please note that the side effects listed here do not include all possible side effects of Advair Diskus. If you experience any side effects or have concerns, it is important to contact your doctor for medical advice.

Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) Warnings and Precautions

• Serious asthma-related events
• Not meant to relieve acute asthma symptoms
• Do not use additional LABA for asthma and COPD
• Oral thrush infection can occur
• Increased risk of pneumonia in patients with COPD
• Suppressed immune system
• Hypercorticism (also called Cushing’s syndrome, which can occur from prolonged use of steroid medications) and adrenal suppression may occur at very high dosages
• Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular or central nervous system disorders
• Hypersensitivity reactions
• Reduction in bone mineral density
• Reduced growth velocity in pediatric patients
• Increased risk of glaucoma and cataracts with long-term use
• Possible adverse effects associated with beta₂-agonists, such as palpitations, chest pain, rapid heart rate, tremor, nervousness
• Use with caution in patients with convulsive disorders, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus, and ketoacidosis

Make sure to keep a list of all the medications you take and share it with your healthcare provider and pharmacist whenever you obtain a new medication.

Fluticasone propionate/salmeterol Form and Strengths

This medication is available in the following form and strengths:

Advair Diskus inhalation powder

• 100/50 mcg
• 250/50 mcg
• 500/50 mcg

FAQs

How should I store Advair Diskus?

• Keep Advair Diskus at room temperature, ranging between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
• Keep in a dry place, away from heat and direct sunlight.
• Store Advair Diskus in the unopened foil pouch and only open when ready to use it.
• Once opened, safely dispose of Advair Diskus in the trash either 1 month after opening the foil pouch or when the counter on the device reads 0, whichever occurs first.
• Remember to store this and all medications out of the reach of children.

Who should not use Advair Diskus?

• Do not use Advair Diskus: To relieve sudden breathing problems or as a rescue inhaler
• If you have a severe allergy to milk proteins
• If you are allergic to fluticasone propionate, salmeterol, or any of the ingredients in Advair Diskus

Does Advair Diskus interact with any medications?

Advair Diskus has the potential to interact with the following medications:

• Ritonavir, ketaconazole (not recommended)
• Tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (use with extreme caution)
• Beta blockers (use with caution)
• Diuretics (use with caution)

When should I get a refill of Advair Diskus?

The counter on top of the Diskus shows you how many doses are left. After you have taken 55 doses (9 doses from the institutional pack), the numbers 5 to 0 will show in red, which warn you there are only a few doses left and are a reminder to get a refill.

References

1. https://gskpro.com/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_US/Prescribing_Information/Advair_Diskus/pdf/ADVAIR-DISKUS-PI-PIL-IFU.PDF  
2. www.wixela.com.