In this Article

• What is fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation (Advair HFA)?
• What are the possible side effects of fluticasone and salmeterol (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 fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair HFA)?
• How should I use fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair HFA)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Advair HFA)?
• What happens if I overdose (Advair HFA)?
• What should I avoid while using fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair HFA)?
• What other drugs will affect fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair HFA)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using fluticasone and salmeterol (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.

To make sure you can safely use fluticasone and salmeterol, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• a food or drug allergy;
• heart disease or high blood pressure;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• any type of infection;
• 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. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether fluticasone and salmeterol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication 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.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old.

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 fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair HFA)?

Salmeterol may increase the risk of asthma-related death. Use only the prescribed dose of fluticasone and salmeterol, and do not use it for longer than your doctor recommends. Follow all patient instructions for safe use. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks and benefits of using this 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.

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

Use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Talk with your doctor if your medications do not seem to work as well in treating or preventing attacks. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

Store 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.