Advair Asthma Medication And The Advair Inhaler
Advair asthma medication is a combination of two drugs: fluticasone and salmeterol. The first is a steroid that reduces inflammation in the lungs, the second is a long-acting bronchodilator that opens the airways by relaxing the muscles. Together they provide much better long-term asthma relief than if used separately.
|
Advair inhalers and Advair Diskus (dry powder inhaler) are two most common methods of delivering the drugs into the lungs and airways. Important: do not use an Advair inhaler for quick relief during an asthma attack. This asthma medication has been created with a long-term goal in mind. While Advair may bring some positive changes within 30 minutes of taking it, you need a few weeks for more lasting changes to kick in to effect. Dosage of your Advair asthma medication: |
Generally, Advair asthma medication should be used twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening) unless your doctor says otherwise. Remember to follow the instructions you receive with an inhaler.
It is doubly important to follow instructions if you use the Advair Diskus and you've never used a dry powder inhaler before (there are some additional requirement concerning both using it and keeping it in a good condition). Don't worry if you miss a dose – just take it as soon you remember.
As usual, if it's almost the time for another dose of this asthma medication, don't take a missing dose – you must not take 2 doses at the same time!
Side effects of Advair:
Advair asthma medication has all side effects of the salmeterol and fluticasone. They may include:
1. Fungal infections of the mouth
2. Bronchitis and cough
3. Gastrointestinal problems
4. Diarrhea
In 2005, the FDA released a health advisory concerning the increased risk of asthma deaths while using salmeterol (in addition to asthma relief effects, this drug also inflames airways and makes them more sensitive). The negative effects of salmeterol are not countered by fluticasol, so use Advair asthma medication with great caution. Sometimes the co-called remedy is worse than the original problem!
For a fabulous bargain & empowering information, check out "Kiss Your Asthma Goodbye"