Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder)

Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder) for oral inhalation is a long-term maintenance therapy used to treat airflow obstruction and reduce exacerbations in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is a combination therapy that includes the inhaled corticosteroid medicine fluticasone propionate and the long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) medicine salmeterol.¹

What are the ingredients in Advair Diskus?

The active ingredients in Advair are fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate.¹

How does Advair Diskus work?

Each dose of Advair Diskus contains 2 active ingredients that work in different ways to help manage COPD symptoms. They work by:¹

• Reducing the amount of blockage in the airways to improve breathing
• Reducing the number of COPD flare-ups

Fluticasone propionate is a type of inhaled corticosteroid. Corticosteroids work by reducing the swelling in the airways. Salmeterol is a LABA bronchodilator. These drugs work by relaxing the muscles that surround the airways. When those muscles tighten up, it can cause the airways to get too narrow. By making sure those muscles are relaxed, it can help make breathing easier.¹

What are the possible side effects of Advair Diskus?

The most common side effects of Advair Diskus include:¹

• Pneumonia
• Thrush (oral candidiasis)
• Throat irritation
•  Difficulty speaking (dysphonia)
• Viral respiratory infections
• Headaches
• Musculoskeletal pain

These are not all the possible side effects of Advair Diskus. Talk to your doctor about what to expect or if you experience any changes that concern you during treatment with Advair Diskus.

Things to know about Advair Diskus

Advair Diskus should not be used to relieve sudden breathing problems, as a rescue inhaler, or if a person has a severe allergy to milk proteins. It should also not be used in those who have allergies to any of the ingredients in the Advair Diskus.¹

After each dose of Advair, rinse your mouth with water and spit the water out. This helps prevent fungus infections in the mouth and throat.¹

There is not enough data to know if Advair Diskus is safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding. Before using Advair Diskus, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.¹

Before taking Advair Diskus, tell your doctor if you have:¹

• Heart problems
• Thyroid problems
• Diabetes
• Liver problems
• Osteoporosis
• Immune system problems
• Eye problems, such as glaucoma or cataracts
• Allergy to milk proteins
• Viral, bacterial, or fungal infection
• Exposure to chickenpox or measles

Before beginning treatment for COPD, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, read the full prescribing information of Advair Diskus.