Advair is an asthma medication delivered as a measured amount through a diskus. The product combines the medications, salmeterol and fluticasone, and is inhaled to help prevent asthma attacks by helping to control wheezing, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath caused by restricted airways in the lungs. Advair may also help treat chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, according to Drugs.com. Individuals need to use caution with this medication to prevent possible complications.
Severe Asthma Problems
Some individuals using salmeterol can experience a severe asthma attack. The attack may require hospitalization or result in death, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Researchers are unclear whether the combination of Advair and fluticasone increases the risk of developing a severe attack. Anyone using Advair should seek immediate medical attention for any breathing problems. Individuals who have adequately controlled asthma should not use Advair.
Monitor Adverse Reactions
Monitoring side effects is important because adverse reactions that do not decrease with continued use, or become bothersome, need evaluation by a physician. Side effects caused by using the Advair Diskus include symptoms of an asthma attack such as wheezing, difficulty breathing and tightness in the chest. These symptoms can continue to increase in intensity and severity with continued use. Additional side effects, which are more common, include gastrointestinal distress, sore throat, dry mouth, headache and sinus congestion, according to Drugs.com.
Not for Current Asthma Attacks
Advair, taken daily, can help dilate the small airways in the lungs to help prevent asthma attacks. The medication does not replace a rescue inhaler for asthma attacks. Individuals having an asthma attack should not use Advair to help stop the attack, according to Drugs.com.
Increased Risk of Medical Complications
Advair may increase the risk of developing certain medical conditions. Individuals taking the medication to treat COPD may have an increased the risk of developing osteoporosis, due to the steroids in the product. Individuals may also develop pneumonia while taking the medication. Advair can decrease the cells in the body that help fight infections, so individuals using this medication have an increased risk of developing infections. It is important to stay current on vaccinations to help prevent serious complications from viral infections. Individuals taking Advair have an increased risk of developing eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma, according to GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of the mediation. Thrush, or an overgrowth of yeast, may leave a white coating in the mouth following the use of Advair.
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