Fluticasone/Salmeterol 100mcg/50mcg

Fluticasone+Salmeterol, Advair/AirDuo/Wixela
Description: Inhaled corticosteroid; Long acting Beta 2 Adrenergic Agonist

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship

Salmeterol relaxes the smooth muscle in the bronchioles via the beta2-adrenergic receptor. Fluticasone may reduce the formation, release, and activity of inflammatory mediators such as kinins, histamine and prostaglandins.  It reduces cell migration to the affected area and reverses the dilation and blood vessel permeability result in decreased access of cells to the site.

Fluticasone+Salmeterol, Advair/AirDuo/Wixela is indicated for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (may also be used for conditions not listed)

Before starting Fluticasone+Salmeterol, Advair/AirDuo/Wixela make sure your physician is aware of any allergies (lactose- note that this is for true allergy, not dietary lactose intolerance which is from a lack of lactase), medications you currently take, if you have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver disease, have hypokalemia, are pregnant, or breastfeeding

Generally dosed twice daily, with the salmeterol component determining maximum dosage (50mcg twice a day) regardless of the inhaler design.  The strength of the steroid component is determined by severity of symptoms and patient response.  If the steroid component must be increased, then another formulation with more steroid may be used or an additional single entity steroid inhaler may be added.

How to Take Fluticasone+Salmeterol, Advair/AirDuo/Wixela: Follow instructions provided by physician/pharmacy label, take consistently at same times each day, store at room temperature.  Follow priming instructions for the product received and make sure the pharmacist teaches you proper use/care of the device as there are various styles of inhaler available containing this combination.   Rinse mouth with water and spit out after every use of medication to reduce risk of oral thrush.

You Need to Avoid: Do not exceed recommended dosages to avoid adverse reactions

Headache, upper respiratory tract infection, pneumonia, pharyngitis

Note this is not a complete list of side effects, only the most common ones.

1. My symptoms have not improved with use of this medication, what do I do?
   Seek medical attention, especially if an asthma attack or COPD exacerbation.
2. Why is my heart racing/ am I stimulated after using this medication?
   Salmeterol works on specific adrenaline receptors however it sometimes will activate other adrenaline receptors that results in increased heart rate/ mental stimulation.  It generally does not affect heart rate too much but can occur.
3. Why does one brand of inhaler feel differently than another?
   Different brands of metered dose inhalers may use different propelling agents and dry powder inhalers have such a small amount of powder dispensed you likely will not feel it.