Generic Advair Diskus ™ ®: Fluticasone and Salmeterol
Fluticasone and Salmeterol is the chemical name of the active ingredient in Advair Diskus ™ ®

Disp Pack
Chemical Name: FLUTICASONE (flew-TICK-uh-sone) and SALMETEROL (sal-MET-er-all)

Common uses : This product is a combination "controller" medicine for long-term treatment of asthma and chronic lung diseases (such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or COPD). It works to open the airways of the lungs in two ways (decreasing bronchiolar swelling and causing muscle relaxation). It may also be used to treat other breathing conditions as determined by your doctor. This medicine does not work immediately and should not be used for acute asthma attacks. Use other "quick-relief" medicines/inhalers for sudden shortness of breath or asthma attacks.

Before using : LONG-ACTING BETA-AGONIST SUCH AS SALMETEROL MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF AN ASTHMA-RELATED DEATH. African American patients and patients prescribed salmeterol when their asthma condition is worsening may have an increased risk of asthma-related death. If you experience signs of worsening asthma and find that your fast-acting inhaler is not working as well or if you need to use it more often than usual (such as using 4 or more puffs daily or using more than 1 inhaler every 8 weeks), seek immediate medical attention. This may be a sign of worsening asthma which is a very serious condition. DO NOT SUDDENLY STOP using this medicine. Doing so may cause your breathing condition to get worse. Discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are taking ritonavir or lopinavir. If you are currently taking either of these medicines contact your doctor for instructions. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are also taking other asthma medicines (such as an albuterol inhaler), oral corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone or prednisone), beta-blockers (such as metoprolol or propranolol), MAO inhibitors (such as furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, or tranylcypromine), tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, or nortriptyline), "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide), azole antifungals (such as itraconazole or ketoconazole), "adrenaline-like" stimulants (such as pseudoephedrine or ephedra), COMT inhibitors (such as tolcapone), or nasal fluticasone. Use of this inhaler within 2 weeks after stopping MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants is not recommended, since these medicines may increase the serious side effects of salmeterol. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE DURING AN ASTHMA ATTACK. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including heart disease (such as angina or arrhythmias), osteoporosis, immune system problems, liver problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, low potassium levels (hypokalemia), eye problems (such as cataracts or glaucoma), depression, recent infection, seizures, thyroid problems (hyperthyroid or hypothyroid), any allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of irregular/fast heartbeat (such as cardiac tachyarrhythmias), untreated lung infections (such as bacterial, fungal, or tuberculosis), status asthmaticus, or certain lung diseases (such as bronchiectasis). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions : Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE COMES WITH A MEDICATION GUIDE. Read it carefully. Refer to the illustrated directions provided for instruction on the correct use of this device. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Always activate and use this device in a level, horizontal position. Do not breathe into the inhaler. Do not use a spacer. Your dose is based on your condition and response to treatment. Gargle and rinse your mouth after using this medicine to help prevent dryness, relieve throat irritation, and to prevent mouth infections (such as thrush). Do not swallow the rinse solution. If you have been using a "quick-relief" beta agonist inhaler (such as salbutamol/albuterol) on a regular daily schedule, you must discontinue this schedule and only use it "as needed" for acute asthma attacks. Consult your doctor. Do not take the inhaler apart or wash the mouthpiece of the inhaler. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature as directed on the package, away from heat, moisture, or light. Keep the inhaler dry at all times. CONTINUE TO USE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT use 2 doses at once.

Cautions : DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or use this medicine more often than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Doing so would decrease the effectiveness of the medicine and increase the risk of side effects. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Limit alcoholic beverages. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Check the labels on all your medicines (such as cough-and-cold products or diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. If you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (such as prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, or if you have been using this product in higher-than-usual doses and suddenly stop using it, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids, especially if your body is stressed due to a major infection, surgery, or injury. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and inform them that you use (or have used) any type of corticosteroid. Carry a warning card stating that you may need supplemental corticosteroids (such as prednisone) during stress periods (such as trauma or major surgery). Contact your doctor if you experience any symptoms of low steroid levels including unusual weakness, weight loss, fainting, or dizziness. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine, especially the effects on the heart (cardiovascular). Caution is advised when using this medicine in children. Though it is very unlikely to occur with inhaled steroids (fluticasone), this medicine may decrease a child's growth rate, but not necessarily their final adult height. Though it is very unlikely with inhaled steroid use, children using this medicine might be prone to serious cases of common infections, such as chickenpox or measles. Avoid exposing the child to such diseases. Consult the doctor or pharmacist for more details. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. ONE OF THE MEDICINES IN THIS PRODUCT (SALMETEROL) IS EXCRETED in breast milk; it is unknown if the other medicine (fluticasone) passes into breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while using this medicine.

Possible side effects : SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include hoarseness (dysphonia), throat irritation, headache, cough, or dry mouth or throat. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience white patches on tongue or mouth, or if your mouth/tongue becomes swollen and painful. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience any of the following unlikely but serious side effects: weight gain, vision changes, trouble sleeping, tremors, seizures, severe muscle weakness or cramping, fast/irregular heartbeat, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, chest pain, or worsening of asthma symptoms (such as increased difficulty breathing, wheezing, or coughing). AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. Rarely, your wheezing might actually increase immediately after using this medicine (paradoxical bronchospasm). If this occurs, use your "quick-relief" inhaler (such as albuterol). Seek immediate medical attention if your breathing does not improve at that time. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions : Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much : If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures, chest pain, unusually fast/irregular heartbeat, severe muscle weakness, muscle cramping, and fainting.

Additional information : Carry an identification card at all times that states you are taking this medicine. IT IS IMPORTANT that you keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., IOP, children's rate of growth) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more information. Learn to use a peak flow meter, use it daily, and promptly report worsening asthma (such as readings in the yellow or red range or increased use of quick-relief inhalers). Try to avoid irritants that may trigger an asthma attack such as smoke, pollen, pet dander, dust, or molds. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.