Advair Side Effects

Upper respiratory infections, headaches, and a sore throat are common side effects that have been reported with Advair. Side effects that are less common can include a runny nose, shakiness, and increased sweating. Although most people tolerate the medication well, it is possible to develop serious side effects of Advair that may require medical attention. Notify your healthcare provider immediately if you develop an irregular heart rhythm, breathing problems that are getting worse, or signs of an allergic reaction, among other serious side effects.

An Introduction to Advair Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Advair® (fluticasone and salmeterol). However, not everyone who takes Advair will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Advair. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Advair side effects with you.)
 

Common Advair Side Effects

Advair has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common Advair side effects included:
 
  • Upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold -- in up to 27 percent of people
  • Headaches -- up to 21 percent
  • A sore throat -- up to 13 percent
  • Bronchitis -- up to 8 percent
  • Coughing -- up to 6 percent
  • Nausea and vomiting -- up to 6 percent.
     
Some other common side effects with Advair, occurring in 3 percent to 5 percent of people, included:
 
  • Sinus infections
  • Hoarseness or voice changes
  • Muscle pain or bone pain
  • A fever
  • Menstrual problems
  • Thrush
  • Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
  • Diarrhea
  • A bloody nose
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle cramps or muscle spasms.
     

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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