Advir diskus inhalation, involving a drug combination, controls and prevents wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma or ongoing lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
The drug consists of two: fluticasone and salmeterol.
Fluticasone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It reduces the irritation and swelling of the airways.
Salmeterol belongs to the class of drugs known as long-acting beta agonists. It eases breathing by opening up the airways in the lungs.
Regular use of advir diskus is recommended for efficacy. The drug combination does not work immediately and should not be used to address sudden shortness of breath and asthma.
For sudden breathing problems, patients are urged to use their quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol, as prescribed.
If using a different corticosteroid such as prednisone, patients are encouraged not to stop unless instructed by a doctor. Otherwise, withdrawal symptoms will ensue. Asthma or allergies worsen with withdrawal.
Withdrawal symptoms include weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness or dizziness. A physician may direct a patient to lower the dosage of advir diskus.
Side effects include hoarseness, throat irritation, headache, stomach upset and worsening of breathing problems/asthma.
(NOTE: PharmPsych.com is featuring the first 10 of 200 of the most common prescription medicine brands reflected in Google’s app for Rx drug flash cards. The flash cards and the app were developed as visual aids to instruct medical students on modern drugs. In a series of summaries, we recap the purpose and nature of each drug, its side effects and advice on usage. The series will feature Lipitor, Singulair, Lexapro, Nexium, Synthroid, Plavix, Toprol XL, Prevacid, Vytorin and Advair Diskus.)
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Last updated September 2014
