Following are some warnings and precautions to be aware of with Advair:
In some studies, people taking salmeterol (one of the components of Advair) were more likely to have very severe asthma attacks. Some of these severe asthma attacks have resulted in deaths. It is not entirely clear if salmeterol caused these problems or not, or whether Advair will show similar problems. Advair should not be started in people whose asthma is becoming significantly worse (or in emergency situations), as this may increase the risk of death. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if your asthma symptoms become worse while taking Advair.
Advair is not a fast-acting asthma medication and cannot replace fast-acting rescue inhalers. Do not use Advair to treat an asthma attack. Everyone taking Advair should also have a rescue medication available at all times. Let your healthcare provider know if you need to use your rescue inhaler more frequently than usual, as this may be a sign of worsening asthma.
Do not take Advair more frequently than prescribed, as this may increase your risk of side effects.
Advair can have a stimulatory effect on the heart and blood pressure. A fast heart rate (tachycardia), high blood pressure (hypertension), and an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) may occur -- though low blood pressure (hypotension) is also possible. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, make sure your healthcare provider is aware of it. He or she may wish to use particular caution if he or she recommends Advair in your case.
People with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, or epilepsy should use caution when taking Advair, as Advair may worsen these conditions or increase the risk of side effects.
Advair contains a steroid and may suppress the immune system. Although this is more likely to occur with oral steroids, it is still possible with inhaled steroids (such as Advair). This may cause you to be at a higher risk of infections. Certain infections (such as chickenpox or the measles) may be more dangerous if you are taking Advair. Let your healthcare provider know right away if you are exposed to chickenpox or the measles (if you have not had these infections and have not been vaccinated against them).
Advair should not be used to switch from oral to inhaled steroids.
Advair is considered a pregnancy Category C medication. This means that Advair may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using Advair during pregnancy (see Advair and Pregnancy for more information).
It is not known if Advair passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start breastfeeding, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about using Advair (see Advair and Breastfeeding for more information).
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