ADVAIR DISKUS

Drug Name: ADVAIR DISKUS

ADVAIR DISKUS DESCRIPTION:
SALMETEROL/FLUTICASONE INHALATION - ORAL (sal-MET-er-all/flew-TICK-uh-sown)

COMMON ADVAIR DISKUS BRAND NAME(S):
Advair

ADVAIR DISKUS SIDE EFFECTS:
Headache, cough, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth or mouth/throat or sinus irritation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: congestion, sinus infection; white and/or swollen mouth or tongue; muscle pain, stomach pain, weight gain. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: swelling, vision changes, joint pain, trouble sleeping, rash, tremors. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: seizures, severe muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, unusually fast heartbeat; numbness/tingling of the hands and feet; chest pain, muscle cramps, worsening of breathing symptoms (e.g., wheezing, choking). Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following signs of low steroid levels: unusual weakness, weight loss, fainting, dizziness. If you had been taking oral steroids (e.g., prednisone) for conditions other than asthma (e.g., sinus, eye, skin problems), these conditions may return or worsen. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy, ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ADVAIR DISKUS:
ADVAIR DISKUS: Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Inhale ADVAIR DISKUS by mouth usually twice daily, in the morning and the evening (12 hours apart); or use as directed by your doctor. Your dosage is based on your condition and response to treatment. Use ADVAIR DISKUS exactly as prescribed; do not use it more frequently or use more inhalations than prescribed. Doing so would decrease the effectiveness of the drug and increase the risk of side effects. Gargle and rinse your mouth after using ADVAIR DISKUS to help prevent dryness, relieve throat irritation, and to prevent mouth infections (e.g., thrush). Do not swallow the rinse solution. If you need to use 4 or more puffs daily or use more than 1 inhaler every 8 weeks of a different, short-acting inhaler, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Do not breath into (exhale into) the inhaler, take the inhaler apart, or wash the mouthpiece of the inhaler. Keep the inhaler dry at all times and always use the inhaler in a level (horizontal) position.

ADVAIR DISKUS USES:
This combination medication is used as long-term treatment to prevent or decrease, the symptoms of asthma (e.g., wheezing, trouble breathing). It works by decreasing the inflammation and increasing the airway space in the lungs. ADVAIR DISKUS does not work immediately and should not be used for asthma attacks. Use other quick-relief medicines/inhalers for sudden shortness of breath or asthma attacks.

ADVAIR DISKUS PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.g., arrhythmias), liver problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, low potassium levels (hypokalemia), eye problems (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma), depression, recent infections, exposure to contagious disease (e.g., chickenpox), seizures, thyroid problems (e.g., hyperthyroid), any allergies you may have. This product may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Though very unlikely, it is possible ADVAIR DISKUS will be absorbed into your bloodstream. This may have undesirable consequences that may require additional corticosteroid treatment. This is especially true for children and for those who have used ADVAIR DISKUS for an extended period of time and if they also have serious medical problems such as serious infections, injuries, or surgeries. This precaution applies for up to one year after stopping use of ADVAIR DISKUS. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. ADVAIR DISKUS should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. One of the medications in this product (salmeterol) passes into breast milk; it is unknown if the other product (fluticasone) passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using ADVAIR DISKUS is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

ADVAIR DISKUS DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: oral corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, prednisone), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline), diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin), cimetidine, protease inhibitors (e.g., lopinavir, ritonavir), azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Avoid grapefruit juice while using ADVAIR DISKUS unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ADVAIR DISKUS OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures, chest pain, unusually fast heartbeat; severe muscle weakness and cramping; increased urination, or increased thirst.

ADVAIR DISKUS NOTES:
Do not share ADVAIR DISKUS with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress. Inform all your doctors you use (or have used) ADVAIR DISKUS.

MISSED ADVAIR DISKUS DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

ADVAIR DISKUS STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Discard the device 1 month after unwrapping from the foil overwrap pouch or when the dose indicator is at '0' (zero), whichever comes first. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert (TM) at 1-800-854- 1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.