Advair Diskus for Asthma and COPD

The Advair Diskus® patient information website, by GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceuticals, states that over 20 million people in America have asthma and more than 24 million are diagnosed with COPD.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Advair Diskus® prescription medication is used long term to help prevent asthma symptoms in people ages 4 and older, to be inhaled twice daily. It is also prescribed for better lung function in patients diagnosed with either of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) of chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Advair Diskus is available in three prescription strengths: 100/50, 250/50, and also 500/50 respectfully.

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects, according to emedtv, include headaches, sore throats, and upper respiratory infections. Sore throats may be because Advair Diskus® is an inhaled medicine and to use it properly one must rinse out the mouth after inhalation. If this final step is skipped, a condition called thrush may occur. Thrush is a fungal infection of the tongue, mouth, and rarely throat. Further discussion of thrush may be found at WebMD.

Less common side effects are shakiness, runny nose, and sometimes sweating. Rarely occurring and, of course, needing quick medical attention: signs of allergic reaction, breathing problems, irregular heartbeat, or any symptom that gives a patient a feeling of impending doom.

Contraindications

As with any medication, there are reasons not to take this drug. Advair Diskus® should not be used for sudden or severe asthma attacks or COPD. It is not intended to stop symptoms. Advair is used only to prevent symptoms.

The FDA states people with milk protein allergies should not Advair Diskus®. Patients should discuss this possible problem with their doctors before starting use of this drug.

Asthma patients who would not take it include those whose symptoms are well controlled under these conditions: Advair Diskus® contains salmeterol, the same inhaled beta-2antagonist medication as Serevent®, so it is not for children or adults whose asthma is controlled with other beta-2antagonists. It also contains the same inhaled corticosteroid as Flovent®, so Advair Diskus® is not for children or adults whose asthma only needs occasional or rare doses of inhaled corticosteroid.

Drug Interactions

Some medications do not work well in combination with Advair Diskus® and may cause dangerous reactions. The Advair Diskus® patient information guide states that Beta-blockers (propranolol) may cause bronchodilatory spasms. Tricyclic anti-depressants (Elavil) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Nardil/phenilzine) may increase vascular issues (blood vessels). The HIV infection treatment medication, Ritonavir, is not recommended, as it may cause systemic cardiovascular effects and more.

Risks and Warnings

GlaxoSmithKline changed the patient drug insert in March 2009, and the warning remains stating that long term use may cause decreased bone mineral density.

As with all drugs, discuss possible ingredient allergies to Advair® with doctor and pharmacist. Also conditions, such as: heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, pregnancy, diabetes, immune system issues, thyroid problems, osteoporosis, breastfeeding, liver problems, and exposure to chickenpox is important in concern with use of Advair Diskus® to discuss with doctor and pharmacist.

More facts about Advair Diskus® for long term asthma control and COPD lung function, including information on how to get the first prescription free at Advair for Asthma and at Advair for COPD.

Sources

advair.com
fda.gov
us.gsk.com
epocrates.com
WebMD.com
contributor knowledge and experience

Disclaimers

The author of this article is not affiliated with GlaxoSmithKline in any way, nor was there any compensation from the company for writing this overview of the medication discussed. The author is familiar with the product as a long term consumer of the product under the direction of a physician and as a medical interest research writer only.

Online magazine articles are for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace advice by licensed professional health practitioners. Always seek licensed medical counsel on any health issue. The internet cannot replace professional knowledge and advice shared by a trusted, certified, licensed pharmacist, doctor, therapist, and/or practitioner on this medical topic or any health concern, based on a patient's individual case needs.