How to Stop Taking Advair

Advair inhaler

Advair is a steriod medication administered through a spring-loaded inhaler to ease breathing problems. Stopping use of Advair requires a consultation with the physician who prescribed the medication and the specific strength. A doctor may prescribe another form of treatment or a different steroid inhaler. It is important to review your options with a physician before stopping any prescribed medication for asthma.

Instructions

1. Understand your dosage to successfully stop taking a prescription medication. Advair is a pulmonary medication containing steroids, and it is prescribed in three strengths: 100/50, 250/50 and 500/50. The higher the number, the higher your dosage (and, likely, the more serious your condition).

2. Call your physician. Mention your prescription strength, as the method for successful termination of your course of Advair may depend on that information.

3. Have a backup plan. With pulmonary diseases like asthma and emphysema (which Advair treats), a body responds to triggers (like dust and pollen, pet odors and smoke). Lack of exposure to these triggers may be causing you to feel better, but that feeling may be temporary if your illness is merely in remission. As a precaution, you must have a backup plan. Ask your doctor to prescribe you another medication, such as a rescue inhaler to use only when you need it.

4. Wean yourself from the dosage. The highest dosage of Advair (500/50) may require taking a smaller dosage for a period of time as indicated by your physician, but it is probably acceptable to simply stop taking the smaller 250/50 and 100/50 dosages. Talk to your doctor, regardless.

Tips & Warnings

• Speak with your physician before stopping any treatments.

References

• Advair information