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Advair Inhalation Aerosol

(salmeterol - fluticasone)

In this factsheet:
• How does Advair Inhalation Aerosol work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Advair Inhalation Aerosol?
• What form(s) does Advair Inhalation Aerosol come in?
• Who should NOT take Advair Inhalation Aerosol?
• What side effects are possible with Advair Inhalation Aerosol?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Advair Inhalation Aerosol?
• What other drugs could interact with Advair Inhalation Aerosol?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

What side effects are possible with Advair Inhalation Aerosol?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• body aches or pains
• cough
• congestion
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• fatigue
• headache
• hoarseness
• mouth, tongue or throat irritation
• muscle cramps or pain
• nausea
• tremor
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• sores, ulcer, or white patches in the mouth or throat

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• difficulty swallowing, breathing, or speaking
• skin rash or hives all over the body
• sudden wheeziness and chest pain or tightness
• swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat, or eyelids
• worsening asthma symptoms even after using your reliever medication

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Advair Inhalation Aerosol?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Asthma attacks: This medication is not a "reliever" medication. If you start developing asthma symptoms, be sure to use your "reliever" medication for rapid relief of your asthma symptoms. It is very important that you have your "reliever" medication with you at all times. If you persistently use more of your "reliever" medication, contact your doctor.

Eye problems: People with or at risk of developing glaucoma or cataracts should have their eyes checked by their doctor before starting long-term treatment with this medication. They should have their eyes monitored at regular intervals while using this medication.

Medical conditions: If you have medical conditions such as high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, thyroid disorders, seizure disorders, or diabetes, your doctor may need to monitor you more closely while you are using this medication.

Infections: Fluticasone may cause thrush infection in the mouth and throat. To reduce the risk of infection, gargle with water after each use of this medication.

Steroid medication use: If you have taken or are still taking oral steroid medications over the last several months, consult with your doctor before using this medication. In times of stress or during a severe asthma attack, your doctor may want you to start your oral steroid medication again.

Stopping medication: Do not stop this medication abruptly, as this may cause your condition to get worse. When this medication is stopped, it should be stopped gradually as directed by your doctor.

Pregnancy: The safety of this medication for use during pregnancy has not been established. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: This medication may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking salmeterol - fluticasone, if may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children under 4 years of age.

What other drugs could interact with Advair Inhalation Aerosol?

There may be an interaction between salmeterol - fluticasone and any of the following:

• ASA (acetylsalicylic acid)
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine, tranylcypromine)
• tricylic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine)
• beta-blocker medications (e.g., propranolol, metoprolol, atenolol, labetalol) " medications that cause low potassium (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, high doses of prednisone)
• ritonavir
• ketoconazole

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

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