Advair Diskus: Dual-Action Control for Asthma and COPD
Advair Diskus
| Product dosage: 250mcg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| 1 | $84.00 | $84.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
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| 3 | $64.33 | $252.00 $193.00 (23%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
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| 5 | $60.40
Best per accuhaler | $420.00 $302.00 (28%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Advair Diskus is a combination inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (ICS/LABA) medication indicated for the maintenance treatment of asthma in patients aged 4 years and older and for the maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. It is designed to reduce inflammation and relax airway muscles, providing comprehensive management of obstructive airway diseases. This medication is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm and requires regular use for optimal therapeutic effect. Proper inhalation technique is critical for drug delivery and clinical efficacy.
Features
- Combination of fluticasone propionate (corticosteroid) and salmeterol (long-acting bronchodilator)
- Delivered via a breath-activated Diskus inhalation device
- Available in multiple strength combinations (e.g., 100/50, 250/50, 500/50 mcg)
- Pre-metered doses ensure consistent delivery
- Does not require shaking or priming
- Dose counter tracks remaining inhalations
Benefits
- Provides dual mechanism of action targeting both inflammation and bronchoconstriction
- Reduces frequency and severity of asthma exacerbations
- Improves lung function measurements (FEV1)
- Decreases reliance on rescue inhalers
- Enhances overall quality of life through better symptom control
- Convenient twice-daily dosing regimen
Common use
Advair Diskus is commonly prescribed for the maintenance treatment of asthma in patients who require both an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator. It is typically indicated when asthma is not adequately controlled on inhaled corticosteroids alone or when disease severity warrants initial combination therapy. For COPD patients, it is used for maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction to reduce exacerbations. The medication is intended for regular use rather than acute symptom relief.
Dosage and direction
The dosage of Advair Diskus should be individualized based on disease severity and prior therapy. For asthma patients aged 12 and older: 1 inhalation twice daily (approximately 12 hours apart). Available strengths include 100/50, 250/50, and 500/50 mcg (fluticasone/salmeterol). For children aged 4-11: 100/50 mcg twice daily is the recommended strength. For COPD: 250/50 mcg twice daily. Patients should rinse their mouth with water without swallowing after inhalation to reduce the risk of oropharyngeal candidiasis. The Diskus device should never be washed and must be kept dry.
Precautions
Patients should be monitored for increased blood pressure, heart rate, and serum glucose levels. Systemic corticosteroid effects may occur, particularly at higher doses, including adrenal suppression, reduced bone mineral density, and growth suppression in children. There is an increased risk of pneumonia in COPD patients. Patients should be instructed to seek immediate medical attention if asthma symptoms worsen, if they need more rescue inhaler use, or if their peak flow measurements decrease. Oropharyngeal candidiasis may develop; rinsing after administration reduces this risk.
Contraindications
Advair Diskus is contraindicated in patients with severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins or any component of the formulation. It should not be used for the relief of acute bronchospasm. Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma or COPD where intensive measures are required. Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, convulsive disorders, thyrotoxicosis, and diabetes mellitus. Not recommended as the initial treatment for patients with rapidly deteriorating or potentially life-threatening asthma.
Possible side effects
Common side effects include upper respiratory tract infection, throat irritation, hoarseness, headache, and oral candidiasis. More serious side effects may include pneumonia (in COPD patients), increased risk of asthma-related death, cardiovascular effects (increased blood pressure, palpitations), reduced bone mineral density, eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma), and slowed growth in children. Allergic reactions including rash, hives, and anaphylaxis may occur. Paradoxical bronchospasm may occur immediately after inhalation.
Drug interaction
Concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir) may increase fluticasone systemic exposure. Beta-blockers may antagonize the effects of salmeterol and produce severe bronchospasm. Diuretics may potentiate hypokalemia and ECG changes. MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants may potentiate the cardiovascular effects of salmeterol. Other sympathomimetic agents may potentiate sympathetic effects. Use with caution with QT-prolonging drugs.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Consistent use is important for maintaining disease control, but occasional missed doses are not typically dangerous. Patients should contact their healthcare provider if they frequently miss doses.
Overdose
Overdose may manifest as exaggeration of known pharmacologic effects. Excessive beta-adrenergic stimulation may produce angina, hypertension, hypotension, tachycardia, arrhythmias, nervousness, headache, tremor, seizures, muscle cramps, dry mouth, palpitations, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia. Cardiac arrest and death may occur. Corticosteroid overdose may cause hypercorticism. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Cardiac monitoring is recommended. There is no specific antidote.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C) in a dry place away from direct heat or sunlight. Keep in the unopened foil pouch until first use. After opening the pouch, the product must be used within one month. The Diskus device should be kept dry and never washed. Discard the device when the counter reads “0” or 6 weeks after removal from the foil pouch, whichever comes first. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Advair Diskus should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Patients should not initiate or discontinue this medication without consulting their physician. Individual results may vary. The full prescribing information should be consulted before use. This medication is available by prescription only.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate that Advair Diskus significantly improves lung function and quality of life compared to monotherapy components alone. In asthma patients, combination therapy showed 25-30% greater improvement in FEV1 versus either component alone. COPD trials demonstrated a 30% reduction in exacerbation frequency compared to placebo. Patient satisfaction surveys indicate improved symptom control and reduced rescue medication use. However, some patients report difficulty with the inhalation technique requiring repeated training. Overall efficacy is highly dependent on proper adherence and correct inhalation technique.