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In this Article

• What is fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation (Advair HFA)?
• What are the possible side effects of this medication (Advair HFA)?
• What is the most important information I should know about fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair HFA)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using this medication (Advair HFA)?
• How should I use this medication (Advair HFA)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Advair HFA)?
• What happens if I overdose (Advair HFA)?
• What should I avoid while using this medication (Advair HFA)?
• What other drugs will affect this medication (Advair HFA)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using this medication (Advair HFA)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to fluticasone (Flonase, Flovent), salmeterol (Serevent), or milk proteins, or if you are having an asthma attack or severe COPD symptoms.

Salmeterol has been shown to increase the risk of asthma-related death. It is critical that you use only the prescribed dose of this medicine and follow all patient instructions for safe use of the medication.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

• a food or drug allergy;
• heart disease or high blood pressure;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• an infection of any kind;
• a weak immune system;
• diabetes;
• glaucoma;
• tuberculosis;
• osteoporosis;
• a thyroid disorder; or
• liver disease.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether fluticasone and salmeterol is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether fluticasone and salmeterol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication.

Long-term use of steroids may lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke, if you do not exercise, if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or if you have a family history of osteoporosis.

How should I use this medication (Advair HFA)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use, and directions for priming the inhaler device if needed. Follow these directions carefully.

Do not use fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough. Use only a fast-acting inhalation medication.

Advair Diskus is a powder form of fluticasone and salmeterol that comes with a special inhaler device pre-loaded with blister packs containing measured doses of the medicine. The device opens and loads a blister each time you use the inhaler. This device is not to be used with a spacer.

Advair HFA is an aerosol form of fluticasone and salmeterol that comes in a canister that is used with an actuator inhaler device. Use only the inhaler device provided with Advair HFA. This device is not to be used with a spacer.

Shake the Advair HFA inhaler for at least 5 seconds before each spray.

Keep track of the number of sprays you have used and throw away the Advair HFA canister after 120 sprays, even if it feels like there is still medicine in it.

If you also use a steroid medication, do not stop using the steroid suddenly or you may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk with your doctor about using less and less of the steroid before stopping completely.

Call your doctor right away if any of your asthma medications do not seem to work as well in treating or preventing asthma attacks. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack. If you use a peak flow meter, call your doctor if your numbers are lower than normal.

Asthma is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

Carry an identification card or wear a medical alert ID to let others know that you may need an oral steroid in an emergency.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the Advair HFA canister away from high heat, such as open flame or in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot.