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III. Advair Diskus Side Effects
IV. Is Generic Advair Available?
Advair is a prescription inhaler that has been used for decades to help manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in many adults and children. When used regularly as prescribed, Advair has been clinically shown to help improve lung function for those with these respiratory conditions. [1]
In this article, we will explore how Advair works for both asthma and COPD, FDA-recommended dosages, potential side effects to be aware of, and the availability of generic Advair.
What is Advair?
Advair contains two medications that work together to help asthma and COPD patients breathe easier. It combines an inhaled corticosteroid called fluticasone propionate with a long-acting beta-agonist named salmeterol.
- Fluticasone propionate is a corticosteroid that helps decrease swelling in the lungs. Reducing inflammation opens the airways, making it easier to breathe.
- Salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator (LABA) that relaxes the muscles around the airways to keep them open. This prevents wheezing, coughing, and other symptoms that happen when the airways tighten. [1]
Together, these two medications address the underlying issues behind asthma and COPD. Over time, regular Advair use can significantly improve lung function. [1]
Advair for Asthma
Advair treats the two key causes of asthma symptoms:
- Airway constriction
- Airway inflammation [1]
By addressing the root issues, Advair helps prevent asthma symptoms before they start. However, Advair is not meant to treat sudden asthma attacks and should not replace a rescue inhaler. [1]
Your doctor may prescribe Advair if your asthma:
- Is not well controlled with a long-term controller medicine like an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) alone.
- Needs both an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) to manage symptoms. [1]
There are two forms of Advair: Advair Diskus and Advair HFA. While they contain the same medications, they are delivered differently and approved for slightly different uses.
- Advair Diskus delivers the medication as a dry powder that is inhaled. It is approved to treat COPD and asthma in people four years of age and older.
- Advair HFA dispenses the medication as an inhaled mist. It is only approved to treat asthma in people 12 years of age and older. [1]
Advair Diskus for COPD
Living with COPD can be challenging as the disease causes ongoing symptoms like:
- Coughing
- Excess mucus production
- Shortness of breath [1]
These symptoms may worsen during periods called exacerbations, which can last for days and often require treatment with antibiotics or steroids. COPD exacerbations can also lead to hospitalization. [1]
The good news is that Advair Diskus has been clinically proven to significantly reduce COPD exacerbations. Advair Diskus contains two medications in one daily inhaler: an anti-inflammatory and a long-acting bronchodilator. Together, these medications work to open airways and reduce airway inflammation. By preventing exacerbations, Advair Diskus helps you breathe better day-to-day. [1]
It's important to remember that COPD is a chronic disease. COPD treatment focuses on managing symptoms and slowing progression. Taking Advair Diskus as prescribed is key to improving lung function over time. However, it does not replace a quick-acting inhaler for sudden COPD symptoms. You should always have a rescue inhaler available when needed. [1]
Advair Dosage
Advair Diskus comes in three dosages, each with a specific amount of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol. The dosage of both drugs is listed on the inhaler.
The first dose is the amount of fluticasone propionate, and the second dose is the amount of salmeterol.
- 100/50: 100 mcg of fluticasone propionate and 50 mcg of salmeterol.
- 250/50: 250 mcg of fluticasone propionate and 50 mcg of salmeterol.
- 500/50: 500 mcg of fluticasone propionate and 50 mcg of salmeterol. [2]
Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate Advair dosage for you based on factors like your age, asthma severity, and condition being treated.
- For asthma in patients aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is one inhalation twice daily of either 100/50, 250/50, or 500/50 mcg, depending on asthma severity.
- For asthma in children aged 4 to 11 years old, the recommended dose is one inhalation twice daily of 100/50 mcg.
- For maintenance treatment of COPD, the recommended dosage is one inhalation twice daily of 250/50 mcg. [2]
Advair Diskus Side Effects
Advair Diskus may cause side effects in some people. These side effects depend on whether you’re using Advair to treat COPD or asthma. [1]
Common side effects when using Advair for asthma include:
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Throat irritation
- Hoarseness and voice changes
- Oral thrush
- Bronchitis
- Cough
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- In children: infections in the ear, nose, and throat [1]
Common side effects when using Advair for COPD include:
- Oral thrush
- Throat irritation
- Hoarseness and voice changes
- Viral respiratory infections
- Headache
- Muscle and bone pain [1]
Is Generic Advair Available?
The FDA approved the first generic version of Advair Diskus in 2019, providing a more affordable option for patients who rely on the medication. [3] The generic Advair Diskus contains the same active ingredients as the brand-name product:
- Fluticasone propionate (inhaled corticosteroid)
- Salmeterol (LABA) [3]
Additionally, generic Advair comes in the same three strengths as brand-name Advair:
- 100/50: 100 mcg fluticasone propionate and 50 mcg salmeterol
- 250/50: 250 mcg fluticasone propionate and 50 mcg salmeterol
- 500/50: 500 mcg fluticasone propionate and 50 mcg salmeterol [3]
The generic version of Advair Diskus provides the same medication at a significantly lower cost. Generics go through the same FDA approval process as brand-name drugs to ensure they are equally safe and effective. The only difference between generic Advair and its brand-name counterpart is the cost. [4]
For those looking to maximize savings on both brand name and generic Advair Diskus, ordering from a reputable online Canadian pharmacy like Canada Drug Warehouse is a reliable option. Canada's regulations keep prescription drug prices reasonable compared to the U.S. As a result, Canadian pharmacies can acquire medications for much less and pass on savings of up to 90% compared to U.S. pharmacies. [5]
Conclusion
Advair has been a trusted medication for asthma and COPD patients for many years. Its ability to reduce inflammation and improve lung function has provided lasting relief to those who use it.
If you believe Advair may be beneficial for you, we highly recommend speaking with your doctor. They can evaluate your symptoms and medical history to determine if Advair is the right treatment option for you.
The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.