About Advair Diskus: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects
What exactly is Advair Diskus?
To treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Advair Diskus is a mixture of two drugs, fluticasone and salmeterol, inhaled using a specific device. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that lowers airway inflammation. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-agonist that relaxes and keeps the muscles around the airways open.
How Should You Use Advair Diskus?
Advair Diskus should be taken exactly as your doctor has instructed. It should be used twice a day, roughly 12 hours apart. Do not use it more frequently or for a longer period of time than recommended. It is not a rescue inhaler, so do not use it to treat unexpected breathing issues. Before using it, give it a good shake and exhale completely. Then, insert the mouthpiece between your lips and inhale deeply and fast. Hold your breath for around 10 seconds before slowly exhaling. To avoid oral thrush, rinse your mouth with water after each usage.
What is the Advair Diskus dosage?
The dose of Advair Diskus is determined by your medical condition, age, and reaction to treatment. Your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose for you. The average Advair Diskus dosing for various situations are as follows:
Adults and children over the age of 12 should take one inhalation of Advair Diskus 100/50, 250/50, or 500/50 twice day for asthma. The maximum dose is one Advair Diskus 500/50 inhalation twice daily.
The dosage for asthma in children aged 4 to 11 years is one inhalation of Advair Diskus 100/50 twice daily.
Adults with COPD should take one inhalation of Advair Diskus 250/50 twice daily.
You should not alter your dose or discontinue Advair Diskus without first visiting your doctor. If you have asthma symptoms between doses, you should also take a short-acting beta-agonist inhaler for quick relief. You should keep track of your peak flow metre results and notify your doctor if anything changes. Seek medical assistance if your health worsens or if you develop signs of infection, such as a fever, chills, or cough.
What are the possible Advair Diskus side effects?
Advair Diskus may produce the following adverse effects:
- Headache
- Irritation of the throat
- Cough
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- The mouth is parched.
- Hoarseness
- Muscle ache
- Bone ache
Some of the side effects may be severe and necessitate medical treatment, such as:
- Allergic responses (rash, hives, edoema, breathing difficulties)
- Chest ache
- A quick or erratic heartbeat
- Tremor
- Nervousness
- Blood pressure that is too high
- High blood sugar levels
- Potassium deficiency
- Vision issues
- Infections (fever, chills, throat soreness, cough)
- Asthma or COPD symptoms worsening
- Osteoporosis (bone thinning)
- Problems with child growth
If you encounter any negative effects while using Advair Diskus, please notify your doctor. You should also tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, vitamins, or supplements, since they may interact with Advair Diskus. If you are allergic to fluticasone, salmeterol, or milk proteins, you should not use Advair Diskus. Tell your doctor if you have any medical concerns, such as heart disease, diabetes, thyroid issues, liver issues, glaucoma, cataracts, seizures, weak bones, or immune system issues.
If you have asthma or COPD, Advair Diskus is a prescription medication that can help you breathe better. It is not, however, a cure for these problems, and you should seek medical guidance on how to manage them. In case of an emergency, you should also carry a rescue inhaler. You should not stop taking Advair Diskus without first visiting your doctor, as this could worsen your condition. You should take Advair Diskus exactly as prescribed and notify your doctor if you have any negative effects.
