Advair
® (
fluticasone and salmeterol) is a medication used for preventing airway spasms in people who have
asthma. This prescription medication is also used to treat airway spasms in people who have
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (
COPD). The medication comes in two forms: the Advair
® HFA inhaler (Advair HFA inhl) and the
Advair Diskus® inhaler. The Advair HFA inhaler is only approved for asthma, while the Advair Diskus is approved for both asthma and COPD.
Although most people tolerate this medication well, it is not suitable for everyone. Before starting treatment with the Advair HFA inhaler or Advair Diskus, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about any other medical conditions you may have and any other medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal supplements). Possible side effects may include
headaches, coughing, and a sore throat.
Advair does not work quickly, and it should not be used for treating
asthma attacks. Rather, it is used twice a day to prevent them.
(Click Advair for a more in-depth look at Advair HFA inhalers and the Advair Diskus, including information on how the medication works, general dosing guidelines, and possible side effects.)
