{"id":1171,"date":"2023-07-31T16:16:36","date_gmt":"2023-07-31T16:16:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/?p=1171"},"modified":"2023-09-08T14:25:12","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T14:25:12","slug":"fluticasone-salmeterol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/asthma-medications\/fluticasone-salmeterol\/","title":{"rendered":"About Fluticasone-Salmeterol (Advair): A Patient&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Highlights<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fluticasone-salmeterol is a combination of a steroid and bronchodilator used to open up the airways in the lungs for people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fluticasone-salmeterol is available in an inhaler form, as either an aerosol or powder.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fluticasone-salmeterol is not a rescue medication but a maintenance drug used to improve quality of life.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>People with suppressed immune systems or a high risk of infection will need to be especially careful when using fluticasone-salmeterol.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Millions of Americans experience asthma and COPD, and fluticasone-salmeterol can be a powerful tool to help them breathe easier. Learn how fluticasone-salmeterol works, how it\u2019s measured and administered, its possible side effects, and getting the lowest price for fluticasone-salmeterol.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Is Fluticasone-Salmeterol and What Is It Used For?<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/fluticasone-salmeterol-500-50\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fluticasone-salmeterol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a combination drug used to help prevent asthma attacks and help limit flare-ups of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It\u2019s also sold under the brand names Advair, AirDuo, and Wixela Inhub.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>How Does Fluticasone-Salmeterol Work?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fluticasone is a steroid which helps reduce airway inflammation. Inflammation is usually caused by the immune system, and steroids help limit inflammation by suppressing immune activity temporarily.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Salmeterol is a bronchodilator that opens up the airways. It binds to adrenaline receptors in the airway before the hormone can get there, preventing it from constricting the lungs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For people with asthma, fluticasone-salmeterol is considered a short-term medication, while people taking it for COPD are generally using it as a long-term term treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Formulas Are Available for Fluticasone-Salmeterol?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fluticasone-salmeterol is inhaled, and is available as either an aerosol or a powder. The formula you\u2019re prescribed will depend upon your specific needs and lung capacity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Fluticasone-Salmeterol Dosage and Administration<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1178\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/2.jpeg-3-min-1.jpg\" alt=\"young girl sitting on a rock at the sea\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fluticasone-salmeterol is always inhaled, and exact dosage will depend on both the formulation and what you\u2019re using it to treat. Read any instructions provided with the medication carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist for clarification if there\u2019s something you don\u2019t understand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dosing can also change over time, particularly after medical treatment or an adverse event such as a serious asthma attack. If you\u2019re not sure if your dosage has changed, contact your doctor. Don\u2019t take fluticasone-salmeterol until you\u2019ve confirmed the correct dosage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>How Should I Take Fluticasone-Salmeterol?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow the instructions exactly as given by your doctor or pharmacist, and be sure to take fluticasone-salmeterol at the same time each day. After each use, rinse out your mouth with water, taking care not to swallow.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Are the Potential Side Effects of Fluticasone-Salmeterol?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common side effects of fluticasone-salmeterol are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle and bone pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Back pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ongoing coughing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A hoarse or deepened voice<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritation in the throat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold symptoms (sneezing, sore throat, stuffy nose)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following, more-serious side effects:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathing problems such as wheezing or choking after taking the medication\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever or chills paired with a productive cough (with mucus) and shortness of breath\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest pain with a fast or irregular heartbeat, a severe headache, or pounding in your neck or ears<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tremors and a nervous feeling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vision impairment, including blurry vision, tunnel vision, pain in the eyes, or halos around light sources<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any sign of thrush, especially sores or white patches in your mouth or throat and difficulty swallowing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any sign of high blood sugar, including unusual thirst, more frequent urination, a dry mouth, and sweet or fruity breath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any signs of low potassium, including leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeat, a fluttering feeling in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness or limpness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signs of a hormone imbalance, such as increasing fatigue, lightheadedness or dizziness, and nausea\/vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>What Should I Avoid When Taking Fluticasone-Salmeterol?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1161\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/1.jpeg-5-min.jpg\" alt=\"happy man in the outdoors\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking fluticasone-salmeterol. You also should be careful around people who are sick, especially if they have a highly infectious disease, like measles. If you have any sort of exposure, contact your doctor right away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t take a second bronchodilator medication unless a doctor specifically tells you to do so.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember that fluticasone-salmeterol is not a rescue medication, and you should use your emergency inhaler for any asthma attacks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Fluticasone-Salmeterol?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skip any missed doses and take the next dose at your usual time. Never take two doses at once.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Should I Do If I Overdose on Fluticasone-Salmeterol?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you accidentally overdose on fluticasone-salmeterol, or experience any of the following symptoms, call 911 or otherwise seek immediate medical help.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shortness of breath that doesn\u2019t abate or get worse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain in the chest<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elevated heart rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shaking or jittering<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Who Should Not Take Fluticasone-Salmeterol?<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1181\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4.jpeg-2-min-1.jpg\" alt=\"young girl sitting by a lake\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re allergic to milk powder, do not take fluticasone-salmeterol unless advised to by a doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before taking fluticasone-salmeterol, inform your doctor if you\u2019ve ever had or currently have:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glaucoma<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cataracts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any food or drug allergy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weakened immune system<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low blood potassium or electrolyte imbalance due to blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any active or ongoing infection (bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Osteoporosis or other bone loss issue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any disorder of the thyroid<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney disease<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Are There Any Potential Drug Interactions With Fluticasone-Salmeterol?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several classes of medications that may interact with fluticasone-salmeterol, usually affecting how much of the medication is in your body.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Antivirals, antibiotics, and antifungals.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Due to how these drugs operate, they can keep fluticasone-salmeterol in your body for longer, making side effects more likely. If you\u2019re managing an infection, ask your doctor about which medications are safe for you.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tricyclic antidepressants and MAO inhibitors.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These two antidepressant drug classes can cause heart rhythm problems when combined with fluticasone-salmeterol. Some herbal supplements contain MAO inhibitors, and these should be phased out before taking fluticasone-salmeterol.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Beta blockers.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Since these use the same channel as salmeterol, combining them increases the risk of airway constriction.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Diuretics (water pills).<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Fluticasone-salmeterol may reduce your blood potassium, and combining it with diuretics can increase potassium loss.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s not possible to identify all potential drug interactions. Be sure all of your providers are aware of every medication and supplement you take. If you experience any new or unusual symptoms after beginning any new medication, discuss them with your provider right away.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Get the Lowest Price for Fluticasone-Salmeterol With BidRx<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Living with asthma shouldn\u2019t mean you have to live with difficult prices. BidRx helps you manage your medication budget by helping you find the best price from pharmacies across the country. Put your prescription up to bid, and have your medication shipped right to your door.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get the lowest price on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/fluticasone-salmeterol-500-50\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fluticasone-salmeterol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and all your medications by getting started on our medications page!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please note that this information is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how fluticasone-salmeterol works, how it\u2019s measured and administered, its possible side effects, and getting the lowest price for fluticasone-salmeterol.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1289,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1171","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-asthma-medications"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1171","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1171"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1171\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1194,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1171\/revisions\/1194"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1289"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1171"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1171"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1171"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}