What Is Advair Diskus Used For? What Are the Potential Side Effects?

Did you know that Coca-Cola was first created by a pharmacist in May 1886? Are you looking at Canadian pharmacies for different medications and are looking to breathe easier?

This article will tell you all about Advair Diskus, what it’s used for, and any potential side effects. Read on to find out more about this widely popular and effective medication.

What Is Advair Diskus?

Advair Diskus is used to prevent and control symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing caused by lung disease or asthma. Some lung diseases are COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.

It has 2 medications, salmeterol, and fluticasone. Salmeterol is considered a long-acting beta-agonist. It opens the airways in your lungs to make breathing easier. Fluticasone is considered a corticosteroid. It reduces swelling and irritation in your airways.

It’s used for adults and children over 4 years old.

Before Taking This Medication

You shouldn’t take it if you’re allergic to milk, salmeterol, or fluticasone. If you have an asthma attack or severe COPD symptoms you also shouldn’t take it.

Speak with your doctor if you ever had:

• food or drug allergies
• cataracts or glaucoma
• osteoporosis
• a weak immune system
• thyroid disorder
• kidney or liver disease
• diabetes
• heart disease
• seizures
• chronic infections

Since fluticasone can make your immune system weaker, make sure to talk to your doctor about any infections you’ve recently had. Speak with your doctor if you’re pregnant before starting this medication.

Less Common Symptoms

Some less common symptoms are:

• muscle pain
• tenderness or pain around the cheekbones or eyes
• stuffy nose
• sleep problems
• white patches in the mouth or tongue
• mucus produced during coughing
• inflammation or irritation of the eye

If you’re breast-feeding, speak to your doctor before taking this medication. Asthma attacks and other symptoms might lead to more serious complications to the baby than the actual medication, so always speak with your doctor about your best option.

Usage Instructions

Did you know that 20.4 million people in the U.S. over 18 suffer from asthma? Always use all of your medications how it was prescribed to you. Make sure to follow all of the instructions on your medication label. Seek medical attention immediately if your symptoms become worse.

If you’re using Advair Diskus, it’s the powder form of salmeterol and fluticasone. It comes with a special inhaler device with pre-loaded blister packs.

Always assist a child with this device and don’t allow them to use it unattended. Always rinse your mouth without swallowing after using your inhaler. Keep in mind, your dose could always change depending on asthma attacks, surgery, or infections.

Never stop using it immediately, and speak with your doctor about tapering off the medication. Always keep your medication away from sunlight, heat, and moisture.

Store it at room temperature. Follow all the storage instructions that came with your medication. Don’t stop taking this medication unless your doctor tells you to.

If you’re 12 and older, dosing is Advair 250/50, 1 inhalation twice a day, 12 hours apart. The recommended maximum dosage is 500/50 twice daily.

For patients 4-11 years old, the dosage is 1 inhalation 100/50 twice daily, 12 hours apart.

Positive Effects

While you can see improvement in your asthma control within 30 minutes, the maximum benefit might only be reached after using it for 1 week or longer.

If after 2 weeks you don’t notice an improvement, speak with your doctor about taking a stronger dose.

Possible Side Effects

As with any medication, there are always possible side effects that can occur. Advair Diskus should never be used to treat acute symptoms of COPD or asthma.

Possible side effects are:

• headaches
• dizziness
• diarrhea
• upper respiratory tract infections
• upset stomach
• sinus pain
• stuffy nose
• sore throat
• cough
• hoarseness
• dry mouth
• yeast infections of the throat or mouth
• fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• flushed skin
• fractures
• unexplained weight loss
• hives
• sores or ulcers in the mouth or on the lips
• loud breathing
• swollen glands
• tearing
• bleeding or bruising
• vomiting
• eye pain
• fever
• the feeling of pins and needles

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. This isn’t a complete list of the medications, so any difference in symptoms you notice, contact your doctor immediately.

Speak with your doctor about other medications you’re taking since it can interact with certain medications.

It can interact with HIV medications, MAO inhibitors, antibiotics, antidepressants, antifungal medications, diuretics, beta-blockers, or amiodarone.

If you have COPD and you notice shortness of breath between doses, an inhaled short-acting beta2-agonist is recommended for relief.

Side Effects for Children

This medication can affect growth. If you think your child’s growth has slowed down speak with their doctor.

Precautions During Use of This Medication

Ensure you avoid others who are sick or have an infection. If you were exposed to measles or chickenpox, contact your doctor for preventative measures. Don’t use another long-acting inhaled bronchodilator unless your doctor specifically tells you to.

Overdose Instructions

As with any medication, you want to avoid overdosing to avoid complications. Seek medical attention immediately. Some overdose symptoms could include shortness of breath, fast heart rate, chest pain, and a shaky feeling.

Never share your medication with others. If you ever miss a dose, skip the dose that was missed and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take 2 doses at once.

Taking Advair Diskus for Relief

Always consult with your doctor before starting or stopping any medication. Advair Diskus is used for the treatment of COPD and Asthma.

Are you ready to finally have relief and breathe easier? Contact us today to order your medication and breathe better.