Advair Diskus is a prescription medication composed of two medications: fluticasone and salmeterol. It used in to help control the symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases associated with chronic bronchitis. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that decreases the inflammation seen in asthma. Salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator which acts on muscles in airway allowing oxygen to enter the lungs more readily. Advair Diskus may be contraindicated in some patients; a physician can decide is this medication is appropriate.
Asthma Attack
The use of Advair Diskus is contraindicated if the patient is experiencing an asthma attack. Salmeterol relaxes the muscles in the lungs, but is unable to act quickly enough to relieve the symptoms of an asthma exacerbation, explains MayoClinic.com. Advair Diskus is used to prevent asthma attacks and decrease the frequency of their occurrence. Short acting bronchodilators, such as Proventil HFA, are indicated for bronchospasms that occurs during an asthma attack.
Acute Episodes of COPD
COPD is a disease that becomes progressively worse over time and medication slows down its progression. Symptoms include cough with mucus, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Patients who experience acute, or short-term, episodes of COPD, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing and chest tightness should not use Advair Diskus. These symptoms require intensive treatment and cannot be relieved by this medication. It may be difficult to distinguish between acute and chronic long-term symptoms of the disease since both are similar. However, a patient should seek medical attention if she feels a sudden worsening of symptoms.
Allergic Reactions
According to the "Drug Information Handbook," up to 3 percent of patients on Advair Diskus may develop an allergic reaction. Itchiness, redness, plagues on the skin and a rash may indicate an allergic reaction and should be reported to a physician right away. Severe allergic reactions may include peeling or blistering of the skin, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing and chest pain. If the patient develops a severe allergic reaction, he should stop the medication immediately and seek emergency medical care. The patient must never be prescribed this medication or any medication that contains fluticasone or salmeterol again.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Fluticasone and Salmeterol
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2007
