Advair Diskus is an inhaled medication that contains both a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA). These two types of medications work together to improve lung function and prevent asthma and COPD flare-ups.

• Fluticasone propionate is an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the lungs.

• Salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways. This helps to widen the airways and improves breathing.

Advair Diskus was FDA-approved in 2000 to:

• Treat asthma in those aged four years and up. By addressing both inflammation and constriction, Advair helps prevent asthma symptoms and attacks.

• Maintenance treatment for COPD. Advair can improve lung function and help reduce COPD exacerbations when used regularly.

It's important to understand that Advair is for long-term control and the prevention of symptoms. It is not for quick relief of breathing problems. For sudden symptoms, you would still need a fast-acting rescue inhaler.

If your treatment plan calls for both an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator, Advair provides both conveniently in one inhaler. Talk to your doctor to see if Advair could be beneficial for you. When it's time to fill your prescription, consider using a reputable online Canadian pharmacy like My Drug Center to save up to 90% on prescription costs.

Advair Diskus contains two different types of medications: a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA).

• The corticosteroid component is fluticasone propionate. It reduces inflammation in the airways by mimicking the effects of cortisol, a natural anti-inflammatory hormone produced by your body. By decreasing airway inflammation, fluticasone helps prevent asthma and COPD symptoms from occurring.

• The LABA component is salmeterol. Salmeterol relaxes the muscles around your airways for up to 12 hours, opening them up and making it easier to breathe. This long-lasting bronchodilation helps prevent airway constriction and the symptoms that come with it.

Advair Diskus is a dry powder inhaler, meaning it does not use a pressurized canister like some other inhalers. This makes it easier to use, as you don't have to coordinate pressing down on the inhaler while breathing in.

To use your Advair Diskus properly, follow these steps:

• Begin by opening your Diskus. Push on the thumb grip until you hear a click. This will reveal the mouthpiece.
• Hold the Diskus horizontally, with the mouthpiece facing towards you. It's important to keep the Diskus level throughout this process to avoid wasting any doses.
• Push the lever on the Diskus until you hear a click. This loads a dose of medication into the inhaler.
• Breathe out away from the device.
• With your lips sealed around the mouthpiece, take a quick and deep breath in through your mouth.
• Remove the Diskus from your mouth and hold your breath for 10 seconds.
• Exhale slowly away from the device.
• Close your Diskus by sliding your thumb into the thumb grip and returning it to its original position, covering the mouthpiece.

Advair can cause side effects in some people. The potential side effects can differ depending on whether Advair is used to treat COPD or asthma.

If you have asthma, side effects may include:

• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Throat irritation
• Hoarse voice
• Thrush in your mouth or throat
• Bronchitis
• Cough
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting

If you have COPD, side effects may include:

• Thrush in your mouth or throat
• Throat irritation
• Hoarse voice
• Viral respiratory infections
• Headache
• Muscle and bone pain

How long does it take for Advair Diskus to work?

Advair Diskus is a long-term control medication, so it can take a few weeks to start working fully.

It's important to understand that Advair is a maintenance inhaler, not a rescue inhaler. It needs to build up in your body over repeated use to reach its full benefit. For any sudden breathing difficulties, you should still use your fast-acting reliever inhaler as directed by your doctor.

What dosages does Advair Diskus come in?

Advair Diskus comes in three dosages:

• 100 mcg of fluticasone propionate/ 50 mcg of salmeterol
• 250 mcg of fluticasone propionate/ 50 mcg of salmeterol
• 500 mcg of fluticasone propionate/ 50 mcg of salmeterol

Does Advair Diskus contain lactose?

Advair Diskus and other dry powder inhalers contain lactose. This can cause unwanted symptoms and discomfort for those with milk allergies. 

The good news is there is an alternative. Advair HFA is the same medication, but it comes in a metered dose inhaler (MDI) instead of a dry powder inhaler (DPI). Metered dose inhalers like Advair HFA do not contain lactose or any other milk derivatives.