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Fluticasone (floo-TIK-a-sone) and salmeterol (sal-ME-te-role) is a combination of two medicines that are used to help control the symptoms of asthma and improve lung function. However, Advair Diskus will not relieve an asthma attack that has already started. Inhaled fluticasone belongs to the family of medicines known as corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicines). It works by preventing certain cells in the lungs and breathing passages from releasing substances that cause asthma symptoms. It will not relieve an asthma attack that has already started. Inhaled salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator and it belongs to the family of medicines known as bronchodilators. Bronchodilators are medicines that are breathed in through the mouth to open up the bronchial tubes (air passages) of the lungs. Salmeterol is different than other bronchodilators because it does not act quickly enough to relieve an asthma attack that has already started. Advair Diskus must be used with a short-acting beta 2 agonist (e. g. albuterol) for the treatment of an asthma attack or asthma symptoms that need immediate attention. Advair Diskus is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form: Inhalation Inhalation aerosol (Canada) Inhalation powder (U.S. and Canada) The combination of fluticasone and salmeterol is used to prevent wheezing, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties caused by asthma. Fluticasone is in a class of medications called steroids. It works by reducing swelling in the airways. Salmeterol is in a class of medications called long-acting beta-agonists. It works by relaxing and opening air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. The combination of fluticasone and salmeterol comes as a powder to inhale by mouth using a special inhaler device. It usually is used twice a day, in the morning and evening, about 12 hours apart. To help you remember to use fluticasone and salmeterol, use it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use fluticasone and salmeterol exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not use fluticasone and salmeterol during an asthma attack. Your doctor will prescribe a short-acting inhaler to use during attacks. Fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation controls asthma but does not cure it. It may take a week or longer before you feel the full benefit of fluticasone and salmeterol. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks. Continue to use fluticasone and salmeterol even if you feel well. Do not stop using fluticasone and salmeterol without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking fluticasone and salmeterol, your symptoms may return. Before you use fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation for the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to show you how to use the inhaler. Practice using your inhaler while he or she watches. To use the inhaler, follow these steps: Hold the inhalation device in one hand, and put the thumb of your other hand on the thumbgrip. Push your thumb away from you as far as it will go until the mouthpiece appears and snaps into position. Hold the inhalation device in a horizontal position with the mouthpiece toward you. Slide the lever away from you as far as it will go until it clicks. Every time the lever is pushed back, a dose is ready to inhale. You will see the number in the dose counter go down. Do not waste doses by closing the device, playing with the lever, or advancing the lever more than once. Hold the inhalation device level and away from your mouth, and breathe out as far as you comfortably can. Put the mouthpiece to your lips. Breathe in quickly and deeply though the inhalation device, not through your nose. Remove the inhalation device from your mouth, and hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as you comfortably can. Breathe out slowly. Put your thumb on the thumbgrip and slide it back toward you as far as it will go. The device will click shut. Rinse your mouth with water, but do not swallow. Never exhale into the inhalation device, take the device apart, or wash the mouthpiece or any part of the device. Keep the device dry. Do not use the device with a spacer. Brand names: - Advair - Advair Diskus - Fluticasone and Salmeterol |