What Is Advair Diskus Used For?
The Advair Diskus (produced by GlaxoSmithKline or GSK) is used for the management of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), which makes it difficult for those with the disease to breathe.
Smokers tend to suffer from COPD the most, although long-term exposure to pollution and other air contaminants can cause COPD to develop. COPD is a progressive disease, which means that is can get worse over time. Advair as a medication helps aid in making breathing easier and helps to manage the disease.
Sometimes Advair is used for the prevention of asthma attacks and works by relaxing the muscles throughout the airways.
The Advair Diskus is an inhaler that contains individual blister packs that are broken when the device is used, allowing the medication inside each blister to be inhaled.
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Types
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The Advair Diskus comes in various strengths. According to GlaxoSmithKline, makers of Advair Diskus:
100/50 (fluticasone propionate 100 mcg and salmeterol 50 mcg)
250/50 (fluticasone propionate 250 mcg and salmeterol 50 mcg)
500/50 (fluticasone propionate 500 mcg and salmeterol 50 mcg)There are also a line of Advair HFA inhalers available but they are different from the Advair Diskus.
The Diskus contains 60 blisters, which for most users will equal a 30-day supply.
Function
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The Advair Diskus works by releasing the medication powder into the airways when inhaled. At the start of each use, the Diskus has a mechanism that the user activates, which punctures a single blister in the pack.
The user then inhales when the device's mouthpiece is played in between the user's lips and the powder medication is inhaled.
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Benefits
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Those who have difficulty breathing due to COPD benefit from Advair Diskus as a way to manage the increasing severity of the disease over time.
Those prone to asthma attacks can also benefit from Advair as it can help to relax the muscles in the airways. It is important to note that the medication does not stop an asthma attack already in progress.
Time Frame
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For most users the proper dosing of Advair Diskus medication is one inhalation every 12 hours. Depending on a person's condition and health status, this dose may vary.
One Diskus based on the 12-hour dosing schedule will last a user 30 days.
Doctors often write a prescription for Advair with refills on the prescription as Advair for many users will become a maintenance medication.
Warning
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Advair, like most medications, comes with side effects, drug interaction possibilities and risks.
Those considering Advair should first speak with their doctors or health-care professionals regarding treatment plans for conditions such as COPD and asthma.
A full list of potential side effects can be found in the Resources section.
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