Product Details: Advair Diskus (Fluticasone/Salmeterol)

PLEASE NOTE BRAND ADVAIR DISKUS IS ALSO MARKETED INTERNATIONALLY UNDER THE NAME SERETIDE ACCUHALER.

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

Each brand Diskus has 60 doses. Each generic inhaler has 30 doses.

Advair is a combination of two medicines (fluticasone and sammeterol) that are used to help control the symptoms of asthma and improve lung function. However, this medicine will not relieve an asthma attack that has already started.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE COMES WITH A MEDICATION GUIDE. Read it carefully. Refer to the illustrated directions provided for instruction on the correct use of this device. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Always activate and use this device in a level, horizontal position. Do not breathe into the inhaler. Do not use a spacer. Your dose is based on your condition and response to treatment. Gargle and rinse your mouth after using this medicine to help prevent dryness, relieve throat irritation, and to prevent mouth infections (such as thrush). Do not swallow the rinse solution. If you have been using a "quick-relief" beta agonist inhaler (such as salbutamol/albuterol) on a regular daily schedule, you must discontinue this schedule and only use it "as needed" for acute asthma attacks. Consult your doctor. Do not take the inhaler apart or wash the mouthpiece of the inhaler. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature as directed on the package, away from heat, moisture, or light. Keep the inhaler dry at all times. CONTINUE TO USE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT use 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or use this medicine more often than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Doing so would decrease the effectiveness of the medicine and increase the risk of side effects. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Limit alcoholic beverages. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Check the labels on all your medicines (such as cough-and-cold products or diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. If you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (such as prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, or if you have been using this product in higher-than-usual doses and suddenly stop using it, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids, especially if your body is stressed due to a major infection, surgery, or injury. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and inform them that you use (or have used) any type of corticosteroid. Carry a warning card stating that you may need supplemental corticosteroids (such as prednisone) during stress periods (such as trauma or major surgery). Contact your doctor if you experience any symptoms of low steroid levels including unusual weakness, weight loss, fainting, or dizziness. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine, especially the effects on the heart (cardiovascular). Caution is advised when using this medicine in children. Though it is very unlikely to occur with inhaled steroids (fluticasone), this medicine may decrease a child's growth rate, but not necessarily their final adult height. Though it is very unlikely with inhaled steroid use, children using this medicine might be prone to serious cases of common infections, such as chickenpox or measles. Avoid exposing the child to such diseases. Consult the doctor or pharmacist for more details. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. ONE OF THE MEDICINES IN THIS PRODUCT (SALMETEROL) IS EXCRETED in breast milk; it is unknown if the other medicine (fluticasone) passes into breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while using this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include hoarseness (dysphonia), throat irritation, headache, cough, or dry mouth or throat. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience white patches on tongue or mouth, or if your mouth/tongue becomes swollen and painful. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience any of the following unlikely but serious side effects: weight gain, vision changes, trouble sleeping, tremors, seizures, severe muscle weakness or cramping, fast/irregular heartbeat, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, chest pain, or worsening of asthma symptoms (such as increased difficulty breathing, wheezing, or coughing). AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. Rarely, your wheezing might actually increase immediately after using this medicine (paradoxical bronchospasm). If this occurs, use your "quick-relief" inhaler (such as albuterol). Seek immediate medical attention if your breathing does not improve at that time. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Fluticasone/Salmeterol