Advair HFA

Generic name: Fluticasone propionate and salmeterol

What is Advair HFA?

Advair HFA contains 2 medicines, fluticasone propionate (Flovent) and salmeterol (Serevent). Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid medicine, which helps to decrease inflammation in the lungs. Inflammation in the lungs can lead to asthma symptoms. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) medicine used to help relax the muscles around the airways in your lungs, helping to prevent symptoms of asthma such as wheezing and shortness of breath. Advair HFA is used in the treatment of asthma and also to prevent symptoms of asthma in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older.

What is the most important information I should know about Advair HFA?

Because long-acting beta2-agonist medicines such as salmeterol may increase the risk of asthma-related death, you should only use Advair HFA if your asthma is not adequately controlled on other medications or the severity of your asthma warrants treatment with 2 maintenance therapies.

Advair HFA does not relieve sudden breathing problems. Always have a short-acting bronchodilator medicine with you to treat sudden breathing problems.

Call you doctor if breathing problems worsen over time while taking Advair HFA. You may need a different treatment.

Get emergency medical care if breathing problems worsen quickly or if you use a short-acting beta2-agonist medicine, which does not relieve your breathing problems.

Who should not take Advair HFA?

Do not use Advair HFA if your asthma is well controlled with an inhaled corticosteroid alone or an inhaled corticosteroid along with occasional use of a short-acting bronchodilator.

Do not use Advair HFA as primary treatment of acute episodes of asthma when intensive measures are required.

Do not use Advair HFA if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Advair HFA?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking to avoid a possible interaction with Advair HFA. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, an immune system problem, liver problems, seizures, thyroid problems, have weak bones (osteoporosis), if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or you are exposed to chickenpox or measles.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults and adolescents 12 years and older: The usual dosage is 2 inhalations twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening, 12 hours apart).

How should I take Advair HFA?

Prime the inhaler before using it for the first time so that you will get the right amount of medicine. To prime the inhaler, take the cap off the mouthpiece and shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds. Then spray it once into the air, away from your face. Shake and spray the inhaler like this 3 more times to finish priming it. Avoid spraying in the eyes.

If you have not used your inhaler in more than 4 weeks or if you have dropped it, shake it well for 5 seconds and spray it 2 times into the air, away from your face. Shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds just before each use.

Hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece down. Breathe out through your mouth and push out as much air from your lungs as possible. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it. Push the canister all the way down while you breathe in deeply and slowly through your mouth. Take your finger off the canister. After breathing in fully, take the inhaler out of your mouth and close your mouth. Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds or as long as you can, then breathe normally. Wait 30 seconds and shake the inhaler for 5 seconds and repeat the inhalation process.

Always rinse your mouth with water and spit out after you use the inhaler. Do not swallow the water. Make sure to put the cap back on the mouthpiece after every time you use the inhaler so that it snaps into place. The inhaler should be at room temperature before you use it.

What should I avoid while taking Advair HFA?

Do not change or stop any of your medicines to control or treat your asthma symptoms. Do not also use other medicines that contain a long-acting beta₂- agonist.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Advair HFA?

If Advair HFA is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Advair HFA with: beta blockers, CYP450 inhibitors such as ketoconazole and erythromycin, nonpotassium-sparing diuretics, such as loop or thiazide diuretics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, ritonavir, an anti-HIV medicine, tricyclic antidepressants.

What are the possible side effects of Advair HFA?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: allergic reactions including rash, hives, facial swelling, swelling of the mouth or tongue, breathing problems. Also, increased blood pressure, fast and irregular heartbeat, chest pain, headache, tremor, nervousness, immune system effects and a higher chance of infections, lower bone mineral density, eye problems including glaucoma and cataracts, slowed growth in children, throat irritation, and pneumonia

Can I receive Advair HFA if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Advair HFA during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Advair HFA?

If you miss a dose of Advair HFA, skip that dose. Take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

How should I store Advair HFA?

Store at room temperature with the mouthpiece facing downward. Do not store near heat or open flame.