Uses

Chemical Name: FLUTICASONE; SALMETEROL inhalation (Advair™ Diskus®) is for treating respiratory problems due to asthma. Fluticasone; salmeterol is intended for regular use. It will not cure your condition, but can help to reduce asthmatic symptoms. Fluticasone; salmeterol will not relieve an acute asthma attack. Fluticasone; salmeterol can be used along with other inhaled or oral asthma medications. A generic fluticasone; salmeterol inhalation powder is not yet available.

How to take

Fluticasone; salmeterol is for inhalation through the mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Open and prepare mouthpiece of Diskus® device and slide device lever to activate the first dose (see package instructions). Do not advance the lever more than once at any one time as this will release further doses that will be wasted. Hold the Diskus® mouthpiece level to, but away from, the mouth, then exhale. Put the mouthpiece to the lips and breathe in the dose deeply and slowly. Remove canister from the mouth, hold breath for at least 10 seconds, and then exhale slowly. Close the Diskus®, which will also reset the dose lever for the next scheduled dose. Following administration, rinse mouth with water to minimize dry mouth; do not swallow the water. Do not use more than the recommended dose. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Side Effects

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:; chest pain; dizziness or lightheadedness; fever or chills; skin rash and itching (hives); sore mouth, with white curd-like patches in the mouth or throat; troubled breathing or wheezing; unusual swelling; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision problems; vomiting Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):; coughing, hoarseness, throat irritation; diarrhea; headache; muscle cramps and pains; nausea; nervousness; sore throat; stomach upset; stuffy nose

Precaution

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Carry an identification card with your name, the type and dose of corticosteroid you are taking, and your prescriber's name and address. It can take up to 2 weeks before you see the full effect of fluticasone; salmeterol. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve with fluticasone; salmeterol inhalation, or if they get worse. If you find that you are using your short-acting inhalers (such as albuterol) more than normal or they are not as effective in treating your symptoms, you should contact your health care professional as soon as possible. You may need a change of therapy or may be having an increase in your asthma. Do not stop using fluticasone; salmeterol except on your prescriber's advice. Using your inhalers regularly as prescribed will help control your symptoms; try not to run out of your medications. It is recommended that you keep an extra refill of your fluticasone; salmeterol inhaler and other inhalers on hand in case you need them. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly. People who are taking certain dosages of fluticasone; salmeterol may need to avoid immunization with certain vaccines or may need to have changes in their vaccination schedules to ensure adequate protection from certain diseases. Make sure to tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking fluticasone; salmeterol before receiving any vaccine. If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are using fluticasone; salmeterol.

Drug interactions

arsenic trioxide; astemizole; bepridil; beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems; certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin); cisapride; ketoconazole; medicines for colds and breathing difficulties; medicines for high blood pressure; some medicines for treating depression or mental illness (amoxapine, maprotiline, pimozide, phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants); medicines to control heart rhythm (examples: amiodarone, digoxin, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol); probucol; terfenadine Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose and continue with your regular schedule, spacing doses evenly. Do not use double or extra doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F). Throw away after the expiration date.