Advair Diskus is used for controlling, as well as preventing, the symptoms that occur during asthma and lung diseases like a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It contains two medications namely salmeterol and fluticasone.
Fluticasone actually belongs to a group of drugs which are referred to as corticosteroids. It works to reduce the swelling or irritation of the airways. Salmeterol, on the other hand, belongs to a class of drugs which are referred to as long-acting agonists. It works to open up the lungs so that the breathing becomes easier. Controlling the symptoms of breathing problem you will be able to decrease the time lost from work.
The medication has to be taken on a daily basis for it to be effective. The medicine does not have immediate effect and thus, cannot be used for treating sudden shortness of breath. If you have sudden breathing problem then you should use a quick-relief inhaler.
How Should You Use Advair Diskus?
You need to read the medication guide that has been provided your pharmacist prior to taking the medication. You should follow this even when you are getting a refill. In case, you have any question regarding the dosage of the medicine, you should talk to your doctor.
The device has to be used in a flat position. It has to be inhaled by the mouth according to the direction of the doctor. Generally, a doctor will advise you to take it twice every day. However, there has to be a gap of 12 hours. When you are taking the medicine, you may or may not feel it. This is quite normal. Make it a point to close the device after every use.
After using the medication, you should gargle and rinse your mouth. This is helpful in preventing yeast infection and irritation in the mouth. Nonetheless, do not swallow the rinse water.
The dose of the medicine is based on:
- Medical condition;
- Age;
- Response to the treatment.
You should use this medication from Canadian Health&Care Mall on a regular basis to obtain the maximum benefit. The medication for treating breathing problems works the best when it is used regularly in spaced intervals. You should not increase the dosage of the medication or use it more frequently without the consultation of the doctor. As a matter of fact, you should not stop using it without consulting him/her. Avoid using any other long-acting beta agonists when you are taking this medication for treating breathing problems.
In case, you have been using a quick-relief inhaler regularly then you should stop doing that and use it only when you have an asthma attack and sudden shortness of breath.
When you are taking this medication by mouth, you should not stop using it without talking to the doctor. You might suffer from withdrawal symptoms if you stopping taking it suddenly. Your doctor might advise you to reduce the dosage of the old medication slowly after you have got used to the medicine. It usually takes about one week to get the full benefit of the drug.
Watch the video where Advair Diskus is described in details:
Side Effects of Advair Diskus
Some of the common side effects of the drug are:
- Hoarseness;
- A headache;
- throat irritation;
- Stomach upset.
Many people taking this medication may not even suffer from any side effects. This medication might increase your blood pressure. Thus, you should keep a check on a regular basis when you are taking this medication and you should inform the doctor when you notice even slight alteration.
At times, immediately after taking this medication, you might suffer from some severe breathing problems. In such a case, you should use a quick-relief inhaler and call for immediate medical help.
Tell the doctor if you have serious side effects like:
- White patches on the tongue;
- Signs of infection;
- Mental and mood alteration;
- Sleeping trouble;
- Vision problems;
- Muscle cramps;
- Shaking;
- Fainting;
- Seizures;
- Severe dizziness;
- Irregular heartbeat;
- Chest pain.
A severe allergic reaction due to the medication for the treatment of breathing problems is quite rare. Yet if you suffer from rash, itching, and swelling, you should inform the doctor.
Before you start taking the drug, you inform the doctor regarding any allergies that you have. You should also inform him/her if you taking any other medication. Also inform the doctor about your medical history, particularly if you have:
- Bone loss or osteoporosis;
- Heart problems;
- High blood pressure;
- Diabetes;
- Liver disease;
- Overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism;
- Eye problems;
- Seizures.