What Is Advair Used for?

With an estimated 20 million Americans suffering from asthma--and an additional 24 million dealing with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder, or COPD--it is small wonder that the sufferers of these respiratory diseases welcome the relief brought to them by Advair, an inhalant aerosol that is crucial to providing it. Like any drug, Advair carries its share of risks and side effects, as well as important attributes to keep in mind before using it. For the tens of millions who swear by it, however, Advair provides important relief.

Active Ingredients

The key ingredients to Advair include fluticasone propionate, which prevents the release of substances leading to lung inflammation, and is also considered a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are designed to be inhaled. The other ingredient, salmeterol, is a bronchodialotor that loosens up the muscles around the airways to make breathing easier.

Major Uses

Advair is used to help people 12 years or older who are suffering from asthma attacks, as well as to prevent the worsening of COPD-related systems--particularly those associated with chronic bronchitis, for example, or emphysema.

Advair is Not an Emergency Inhaler

Advair is not a emergency inhaler and will not work for an acute asthma attack or bronchospasm that has already begun. A fast-acting inhaler like Albuterol should always be carried for use in an asthma attack. Advair is meant as a maintenance medication to help the lungs feel less inflamed and keep the airways open for use as a maintenance medication. Salmeterol, also known as Serevent, has been shown to increase the risk of asthma-related death; therefore, it is critical that patients follow all instructions and only take the prescribed dosage.

Forms and Strengths

Advair comes in aersol and powder forms, which carry different strengths. Advair Diskus is a powder form of fluticasone and salmeterol that includes a special inhaler device--preloaded with blister packs that contain measured doses of the medicine. For every time that the inhaler is used, the device opens and loads a blister. Advair HFA, on the other hand, is the aerosol version of fluticasone and salmeterol that combines in a canister. The canister, in turn, is used with an inhaler device. Only the device that is provided with the medication should be used.

Cautions and Warnings

Patients suffering from several notable chronic conditions may need a dosage adjustment, or other type of special treatment, before going on Advair, including persons suffering from any kind of infection or weak immune system, diabetes, epilepsy or any other type of seizure disorder, food or drug allergiers, osteoporosis, thyroid disorders or liver diseases and tuberculousis. Patients who do take Advair should always carry a medical alert warning, or some other type of ID, to let other people know that they may need oral steroids during an emergency. Advair HFA canisters should also be kept away from high heat situations, such as a vehicle on a hot day, as the canister could explode if it becomes too hot.

Resources

• Advair Official Site