Is Serevent the Same As Advair?
Serevent and Advair are similar inhaled drugs used as preventive treatments for chronic asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, chronic bronchitis and exercise-induced asthma. However, Serevent contains salmeterol (a bronchodilator) only while Advair contains both salmeterol and fluticasone propionate (a steroid).
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Bronchodilator
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Salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator that keeps the bronchial tubes that take air to your lungs from going into spasm and blocking airflow. According to RxList, because salmeterol is long acting, it works as a constant control to prevent asthma attacks or increased shortness of breath with other types of lung disease. Neither Serevent nor Advair is effective for treatment of acute attacks of bronchospasm or asthma because salmeterol works too slowly.
Steroid
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Fluticasone propionate is an anti-inflammatory steroid drug contained in Advair in addition to salmeterol. Advair.com notes that fluticasone propionate reduces inflammation, swelling, and mucus in the air passages, so they are less sensitive to irritants, such as pollen, which might trigger an asthma attack, cough, or severe shortness of breath.
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Salmeterol Side Effects
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The salmeterol in both Serevent and Advair can cause increased shortness of breath and wheezing with worsening asthma attacks and sinus/nasal congestion. Salmeterol can also cause a rapid pulse, trembling, restlessness and chest pain. Some people may experience dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness and/or trouble sleeping.
Fluticasone Side Effects
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Additionally, the steroid in Advair may increase the chance of bacterial infection in the lungs, increase risk for osteoporosis, cause thrush (a fungus infection with white patches in the mouth) and increase risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma. You should avoid people with active infections as steroids lower you body's ability to fight infections, including chicken pox and measles.
Precautions
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Do not try to treat an acute episode of asthma by taking additional doses of Serevent or Advair as this increases risk of death, and always use the medications exactly as prescribed. Do not use both Serevent and Advair or use more than one drug that contains salmeterol and/or fluticasone or other steroid.
Warning
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Neither Serevent nor Advair should be started during a severe episode of asthma or when your respiratory disease is poorly controlled.
If taking Advair, always wear a MedicAlert bracelet or carry a card indicating that you are using a medication that contains a steroid.
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