What is ADVAIR DISKUS?

ADVAIR DISKUS is a specially designed plastic device with double-foil blister strip that contains combinations of fluticasone propionate and active component salmeterol xinafoate. It is intended for oral inhalation. It is primarily intended to treat asthma in patients aged 4 years old and above. It is usually given for patients not adequately controlled on long-term asthma control medication such as inhaled corticosteroid or long acting beta2- adrenergic agonist (LABA). It is not use to give relief of acute bronchospasm.

Fluticasone propionate is a corticosteroid that helps decrease inflammation in the lungs. On the other hand, salmeterol is a LABA that helps the muscles around the airways in your lungs stayed relax.

What are the available preparations?

Disposable purple device with 60 blisters containing the following combination of fluticasone propionate (100,250 500 mcg) and salmeterol (50 mcg):

• 
  ADVAIR DISKUS 100/50


• 
  ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50


• 
  ADVAIR DISKUS 500/50

It should be administered 1 inhalation twice daily, 12 hours apart by oral route only. Rinse mouth with water after each inhalation. More than twice daily inhalation are not recommended as higher dose of salmeterol increases the risk of adverse effects.

ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 is indicated for twice-daily maintenance treatment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, for reduction in exacerbation of COPD.

Keep the device in a dry place away from direct sunlight. The device should be discarded one month after removal from moisture-protective foil overwrap pouch or after al blisters have been used (when the dose indicator reads “0”)m whichever comes first.

How to use ADVAIR DISKUS?

You will breath in (inhale) the medicine from the DISKUS.

Take the ADVAIR DISKUS out of the box and foil pouch. Write accordingly the “pouch opened” and “use by” dates on the label. “Use by” date is 1 month from date of opening the pouch.

Note: The dose indicator on tope of the DISKUS tells you how many doses are left. Its number decreases each time you use it. Numbers will appear red to warn you that there are few doses left.

Taking a dose from the DISKUS requires 3 steps: open, click, inhale

Step 1: Open

Hold the DISKUS in one hand and put the thum in your other hand on the thumb grip. Push your thumb away from you as far as it will go until the mouthpiece appears and snaps into position.

Step 2: Click

Hold the DISKUS in a level, flat position with the mouthpiece towards you. Slide the lever away from you as far as it will go until it clicks. The DISKUS is not ready to use.

Every time the lever is pushed back, a dose is ready to be inhaled. To avoid releasing or wasting doses, do not close and tilt the DISKUS once its ready, do not play the lever or move more the once.

Step 3: Inhale

Before inhaling your dose from the DISKUS, breath out (exhale) fully while holding the DISKUS level away from your mouth. Remember: never breath out intot he diskus mouthpiece.

Put the mouthpiece to your lips. Breath in quickly and deeply. Do not breath in through your nose.

Remove the DISKUS from your mouth. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or for as long as is comfortable. Breath out slowly.

Rinse your mouth with water. Do not swallow.

Close the DISKUS when you are finished. Put your thumb on the thumb grip and slide the thumb grip back towards you as far as it will go. The DISKUS will click shut and the level will automatically return to its original position.

Remember to:

1. 
   Never breath into the DISKUS


2. 
   Never take the DISKUS apart


3. 
   Use the DISKUS in level, flat position


4. 
   Do not use DISKUS with a spacer device


5. 
   After each use, rinse your mouth with water and do not swallow


6. 
   Keep the DISKUS dry


7. 
   Never take an extra dose


8. 
   

What are the possible ADVAIR DISKUS side effects?

Cardiac disorders: arrythmias (including atrial fibrillation, extrasystoles, supraventricular tachycardia), ventricular tachycardia

Endocrine disorders: Cushing syndrome, cushingoid features, growth velocity reduction in children/adolescents, hypercorticism

Eye disorder: glaucoma

Gastrointestinal disorder: abdominal pain, dyspepsia, xerostomia

Immune disorders: immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reaction, rarely anaphylactic reactions

Metabolic disorders: hyperglycemia, weight gain

Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue, and Bone Disorders: arthralgia, cramps, myositis, osteoporosis

Nervous System Disorders: paresthesia, restlessness

Psychatric Disorders: agitation, aggression, depression, behavioral changes such as hyperactivity and irritability

Reproductive Disorders: dysmenorrheal

Respiratory, Thoracic, Mediastinal Disorders: chest congestion, chest tightness, dyspnea, facial and oropharyngeal edema, immediate bronchspasm, paradoxical brochospasm, tracheitis, wheezing, laryngeal spasm, irritation, or swelling such stridor or choking.

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: ecchymoses, photodermatitis

Vascular Disorder: pallor

Do not use Advair Diskus in the following conditions:

• 
  Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma or COPD where intensive measures are required


• 
  Severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins

Salmeterol, the active ingredient of Advair Diskus increases the risk of asthma-related death. Therefore, use it exactly as prescribed by your physician. Once asthma is controlled, have your doctor assessed you to step down the therapy and if possible discontinue its use. Do not use Advair Diskus for patients whose asthma is adequately controlled on low or medium dose inhaled corticosteroids.

What is ADVAIR DISKUS generic equivalent name?

Generic equivalent name for ADVAIR DISKUS are available in India. But in the United States, the one manufactured by GlaxosmithKline is the only available. When is the generic available date is undetermined.