Brand Names:
- Fluticasone/Salmeterol aerosol inhaler
Generic Names:
- Fluticasone/Salmeterol aerosol inhaler
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You have been prescribed the two ingredient product (Advair), it delivers a
dose of a long-acting bronchodilator (salmeterol) together with the
fluticasone dose. The salmeterol in the Advair has been added to help the
fluticasone prevent recurrences of asthma attacks in the long-term. The
combination product is not used for the treatment of acute asthma attacks.
Use your regular short-acting bronchodilator for this (e.g. salbutamol) or
consult with your physician.
Fluticasone is an anti-inflammatory steroid that is inhaled into the lungs
to control asthma.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is near the
time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your
regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Do not use more often than prescribed. To do so increases the risk of
developing side effects. Do not stop taking it without consulting a
physician.
In order to be effective, fluticasone must be taken every day at regular
intervals. Although improvement may occur within the first day of
treatment, the onset of effect is expected within 4-7 days and maximal
benefit may take 1-2 weeks or more.
Before you have any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency
treatment, tell the physician or dentist that you are on this medication.
Do not stop treatment abruptly unless your physician has instructed you to
do so, as this could result in rebound worsening of your condition. The
dose is usually gradually reduced before this medication is stopped.
Rarely, symptoms of steroid withdrawal may occur if the medication is
stopped too quickly (fatigue, muscle or joint aches).
Contact your physician if:
(a) You are injured, or are going through a period of stress;
(b) You have asthma attacks that cannot be controlled by
bronchodilator medications, your asthma seems worse, or your nasal
condition does not improve after 3 weeks or worsens;
(c) Breathing difficulty occurs;
(d) Signs of infection occur (e.g. chest pain, chills, fever, cough,
congestion in nose, sinuses, or chest, change in sputum colour or
amount, sneezing, sore throat etc.);
(e) You develop creamy white patches inside the mouth;
(f) You notice unusual symptoms such as fast or irregular heartbeat,
change in weight or appetite, increased thirst, lethargy,
weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, skin rash, acne, muscle or
joint pain, nausea or vomiting, fullness of the face, back pain,
menstrual changes, unexpected change in stool colour or bowel
habits, frequent urination, unexplained nosebleeds, change in
mood;
(g) Nasal irritation or sneezing persist following intranasal
fluticasone;
(h) Frequent nosebleeds or crusting in the nose occurs.
USE OF THE AEROSOL INHALER:
(a) Obtain an instruction sheet from your pharmacist.
(b) Shake well. Remove cap.
(c) Flovent HFA: Prime the inhaler by releasing 1 test spray into the
air, away from your face. This should be done before first-time use
or after 1 week or more of nonuse.
Advair Inhalation Aerosol:
Prime the inhaler before first-time use by releasing 2 test
sprays into the air, away from your face.
After 1 week or more of nonuse, release 1 spray to prime
the inhaler.
(d) Tilt head back slightly. Breathe out gently as far as possible.
(e) Place mouthpiece in your mouth between your teeth and close lips
around it, keeping your tongue below it. Hold canister upright.
(f) Press down on canister while inhaling slowly and deeply
through mouth.
(g) Remove canister from mouth while holding your breath as long
as possible (5-10 seconds).
(h) Breathe out slowly.
(i) If more than one inhalation is prescribed, wait for at least
30 seconds then shake the inhaler and repeat steps (d) to (h).
(j) Replace the mouthpiece cover after use.
(k) Rinse your mouth and gargle with water after each dose.
Do not swallow the water. Wash dentures if you wear them.
(l) Keep the inhaler clean by washing at least once per week.
Remove the metal canister from the plastic casing and remove the
mouthpiece cover. Wipe the casing and mouthpiece cover with a damp
cloth. Do not put the metal canister into water. Leave the casing
and mouthpiece cover in a warm place to dry. Release 1 puff into
the air after reassembling to ensure the inhaler works.
(m) Do not use expired canisters. Discard after the labeled number of
doses has been used.
(n) Keep canister away from excess heat. Protect from freezing.
Store this medication in its original labelled container, out of the reach
of children. Do not allow anyone else to use this medication.
