What is Advair HFA?
Advair HFA is a medication prescribed to control and prevent asthma symptoms, like wheezing and shortness of breath, in adults and children 12 years and older.
Advair HFA contains 2 medications:
- Fluticasone which belongs to the drug class, corticosteroids.
- Salmeterol which belongs to the drug class, long-acting beta agonists.
These medications work by reducing the irritations and swelling of the airways. It is not a fast-acting medication and should not be used for sudden asthma attacks. If you suffer an asthma attack, use your quick-relief inhaler.
Advair HFA is not recommended:
- If you are allergic or have had an allergic reaction to Advair HFA or ingredients in Advair HFA.
- For patients younger than 12 years of age.
- For sudden asthma or bronchospasm attacks.
What are the Indications for Advair HFA?
Advair HFA is a combination medication approved for the treatment of asthma.
How is Advair HFA used?
Storage
Advair HFA should be stored at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C) away from light and moisture, with the mouthpiece facing down. Do not puncture the canister or expose it to high heat or an open flame.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Instruction
Advair HFA is for breathing in only and should be used as directed by your doctor, even if you feel well. It must be used regularly to be effective.
Shake the inhaler for about 5 seconds before use and remove the cap. Breathe out to empty your lungs. Place the mouthpiece of the inhaler in your mouth and press down the top of the inhaler while you breathe in slowly and deeply. Take the inhaler out of your mouth and hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds. Breathe out slowly through your mouth. If you have to take 2 puffs, wait 30 seconds between each puff and shake well in between. Rinse your mouth out and gargle with water after each use. Do not swallow the water, spit it out. Clean the mouthpiece after each use by wiping it with a dry tissue or cloth.
Children should not use Advair HFA unassisted.
If you miss a dose, skip the dose, and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not catch up by taking two doses at once.
Do not change your dosage, take more than what is prescribed, or stop using Advair HFA without consulting with your doctor. If you took more than prescribed, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care.
Dosage
Advair HFA is available as an oral inhalation aerosol in the following strengths:
- 45 mcg fluticasone propionate/21 mcg salmeterol
- 115 mcg fluticasone propionate/21 mcg salmeterol
- 230 mcg fluticasone propionate/21 mcg salmeterol
The usual starting dose is 2 puffs of Advair HFA twice a day at the same time each day in the morning and evening, about 12 hours apart.
This medication doesn’t work right away, and it may take a week or more to get the full benefit of Advair HFA.
Side Effects
It’s important to understand that although Advair HFA is FDA-approved, it comes with side effects that may or may not affect you.
Before starting Advair HFA, you should discuss possible side effects with your doctor or pharmacist.
Common Side Effects
Not all side effects require medical attention. As your body adjusts to Advair HFA, side effects may go away. Tell your doctor if you experience the following symptoms, and they become severe or do not go away on their own.
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Muscle/bone pain
- Strained/hoarse voice
- Throat irritation
- Thrush
- Upper respiratory infections
Serious Side Effects
Severe adverse reactions while taking Advair HFA may occur. Seek emergency medical care or call 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe allergic reaction: a rash over your whole body, sweating, extreme drowsiness, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, feeling faint, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or becoming confused.
- Heart problems: chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, seizure, severe dizziness, fainting.
- Pneumonia: increase in mucus, change in the color of the mucus, fever, chills, increased cough.
- Sudden breathing problems
- Eye problems: blurred vision, glaucoma, cataracts.
- Low adrenal gland function: tiredness, lack of energy, unusual weakness, nausea/vomiting, low blood pressure.
- Decreased bone density:
- Other: fungal infection in the mouth (white patches), signs of infection, trouble sleeping, muscle cramps, shaking/tremors, increased thirst/urination.
The information above does not list all possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any side effects not listed. You or your doctor may report side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings & Precautions
Before using Advair HFA, tell your doctor or pharmacist:
- If you are allergic to Advair HFA or any ingredients in Advair HFA.
- If you have ever had glaucoma/cataracts, any heart problems, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, seizures, diabetes, a food or drug allergy, weak immune system, osteoporosis, or liver/kidney disease.
- If you have any type of infection.
- If your asthma is rapidly worsening.
- If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
- If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Osteoporosis
Long-term use of Advair HFA can lead to bone loss, especially if you smoke, don’t exercise, or your diet doesn’t include enough vitamin D or calcium. Let your doctor know if you have a family history of osteoporosis.
Serious infections
Advair HFA may lower your immune system and may hide signs of infection. Avoid getting in contact with anyone with an infection that can easily spread, like chickenpox or measles. Let your doctor know if you have been exposed to an infection, especially infections that spread rapidly.
Heart problems
Advair HFA can make certain heart problems worse and cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm. Let your doctor know if you have any heart problems, or a family history of heart problems, so they can determine if Advair HFA is safe for you to use.
Seizures
Advair HFA can worsen seizure problems. Let your doctor know if you have any seizure problems, so they can determine if Advair HFA is safe for you to use.
Hormone disorders
Advair HFA can worsen hyperthyroidism or cause high levels of a hormone produced in the adrenal glands (cortisol). Let your doctor know if you have any hormone disorders, as Advair HFA can cause serious side effects.
Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Advair HFA will harm your unborn baby. Your doctor will determine if the benefit of using Advair HFA outweighs the risk.
Breastfeeding or Planning to Breastfeed
It is not known if Advair HFA passes into breast milk. Speak to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to start breastfeeding.
Interactions & Contraindications
Before using Advair HFA, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take any medications, herbal supplements, vitamins, antifungal or anti-HIV medicines.
Advair HFA is not meant as an emergency rescue medication for asthma attacks and will not work fast enough. If you get an asthma attack, use your quick-relief inhaler, or seek emergency medical care.
Some drugs may interact with Advair HFA and are not safe to use together. Tell your doctor if you take any other medications, especially antifungals and HIV/Aids medicines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
Pharma Giant provides medical information to help you better understand medications and medical conditions.This content is for informational use only and does not replace advice from a licensed medical practitioner. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medication. All our partners follow strict safety standards set by their country’s health authorities to make sure you receive safe and high-quality medications.
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