Side Effects of Advair

Advair is a prescription medication (inhaler) made to treat several conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis and emphysema. The drug is touted as being a strong anti-inflammatory, offering effective ways to dilate the bronchial tubes to aid in breathing. While the drug has been reported to be an effective and long-lasting treatment for breathing disorders, several side effects have been reported that some patients find discomforting.

Respiratory Ailments and Nausea

Advair has been linked to sudden and unusual bouts of bronchitis and upper respiratory problems. Some patients complain of severe cold-like symptoms that turn into full-blow tract infections. Others tend to experience abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

Headaches and Body Pain

As with some drugs, headaches are reported as a common side effect. Some people, while taking Advair have reported having unusual headaches at the onset of their treatment with the the drug. Most report headaches with accompanying joint and muscle pain followed by chills, sweats and fever. Although these conditions are common in some patients taking Advair, they have also been reported as severe allergic reaction to the drug. Some women have reported disruptions in menstruation, including irregular and unusual cramping, not commonly associated with their normal menstrual cycles.

Dizziness and Thrush

While sometimes associated with headache, bouts of dizziness and periods where lethargic feelings are also common in some people. This, professionals say, may be a simple side effect caused by inhibiting the bronchial tube or an allergic reaction. Most patients who feel faint, dizzy and lethargic are directed to cease taking Advair.

Some patients experience thrush when taking Advair. Thrush is a yeast infection that causes white blisters and sores inside the mouth and other areas of the body. Some experts believe thrush is caused by immune system disruptions that Advair has been reportedly linked to. It is widely reported for some inhaler treatments to contribute to thrush-like symptoms.

Cardiovascular and Other Side Effects

In some cases, which experts believe to be severe allergic reactions, Advair has been known to come with rather serious side effects. Some patients have been reported to experience irregular heartbeat, such as arrhythmia. Extremely high heart rate, known as tachycardia, has also been known to be a side effect of Advair treatment. Blood sugar disruptions, frequent infections, eye pain and discomfort and difficulties breathing and swallowing have also been cited. Patients at risk of heart attack, stroke or an any cardiovascular disease are usually monitored closely or advised not to take Advair.

Neurological and Emotional Problems

In some cases, patients taking Advair have been known to suffer unexplained bouts with depression, anxiety and even uncontrollable anger and rage. Health professionals say these side effects are significantly rare, however, can be common in patients taking anti-depressants or MAOI inhibitors. Physicians usually advise patients experiencing these side effects to stop taking Advair or significantly reduce dosages.

Resources

• Advair website