What Is Advair HFA?
Advair HFA is a medication that can be used by a patient in conjunction with his albuterol inhaler to promote easier breathing. The HFA inhaler is used differently from the Diskus inhaler; its use is intended for the patient whose asthma symptoms have not been well controlled on his rescue inhaler.
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Description
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Advair HFA is a bronchodilator combination medication, used to treat asthma and help the patient obtain and maintain good lung function. The fluticasone propionate is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in her lungs; the salmeterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles in a person's airway to promote easier breathing. Advair HFA only prevents asthma attacks; it does not reverse an attack after it has begun--it is very important to understand this.
Used for Asthma
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Advair HFA is used only for the treatment of asthma; another Advair medication in a Diskus form is intended for use by those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. The inhaler has been approved for use in the treatment only of asthma, while the Diskus has been approved for asthmatics and COPD patients.
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Using Advair HFA
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The Advair inhaler is used in the same way as a bronchodilator inhaler; the patient needs to shake the inhaler before placing it in his mouth; if the inhaler is new, he should "prime" it first (spraying four sprays into the air away from his face), then put the mouthpiece into his mouth or very close to his open lips and spray the medication and breathe in simultaneously. The usual dosage is two sprays twice a day; after the second spray he should rinse his mouth and spit the water out to prevent a thrush infection. He should use his Advair HFA inhaler exactly as his doctor has prescribed to get the most benefit from the medication; he should use it regularly twice a day (and no more) to maintain a consistent level of medication in his system. If his symptoms are getting worse, or if he finds he is using his rescue inhaler more frequently, he needs to tell his doctor right away, especially if his peak flow meter numbers are lower than they should be.
Other Drugs
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A patient should talk to her doctor about other medications she may be using before beginning to use Advair HFA. If she is taking diuretics, medications for HIV/AIDS, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors such as Marplan or Parnate; if she is taking prescription antidepressants such as Elavil, Pamelor, Norpramine or Tofranil, she should discuss this with her doctor. If she is taking a course of antibiotics, such as E-Mycin or clarithromycin, she needs to discuss possible drug interactions with her doctor. If she is taking Prozac or Luvox for depression, her doctor should be made aware of this, as well.
Side Effects
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Asthma patients using Advair HFA can experience headache; dizziness; nausea/vomiting; hoarseness; stuffy nose; sore throat; sinus pain; diarrhea; and dryness in the nose, throat and/or mouth. Other side effects can include: an exacerbation of asthma symptoms, a bronchospasm, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, tremor, restlessness and white patches in the mouth (thrush). A patient can also experience an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing; hives; and a swelling of the tongue, face or throat. This allergic reaction is potentially deadly; he should seek emergency help immediately.
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