Generic Name : Salmeterol/Fluticasone
Brand Names : Advair
Adavir (Salmeterol/Fluticasone) is a combination medication (salmeterol and fluticasone). It is used as a long-term (maintenance) treatment to prevent or decrease wheezing and trouble breathing caused by asthma or ongoing lung disease (e.g., copd, emphysema). It works in the airways by decreasing swelling and relaxing muscles. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school.
This medication does not work immediately and should not be used for sudden attacks of breathing trouble. The doctor must prescribe a quick-relief medicine/inhaler (e.g., albuterol) for sudden shortness of breath/asthma attacks while the patient is on this medication. The patient should always have a quick-relief inhaler.
Adavir (Salmeterol/Fluticasone) is indicated to prevent or decrease wheezing and trouble breathing caused by asthma or ongoing lung disease
The patient should always activate and use this device in a level, horizontal position. This medication should be inhaled by mouth, usually twice daily in the morning and the evening (12 hours apart), or should be used exactly as directed by the doctor. The patient should gargle and rinse the mouth with water after using this medication to help prevent dryness and mouth infections (e.g., thrush) and relieve throat irritation. The patient should not swallow the rinse water. The dosage is based on the medical condition and response to therapy. The patient should use this medication regularly to receive the most benefit from it. The patient should not use it more than prescribed or use more than 1 inhalation twice daily since this may increase the risk of side effects. The patient should not stop taking this medication or change the dose without consulting the doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. If this medication stops working well, or the patient need to use the quick-relief inhaler more often than usual (4 or more puffs for 2 or more days in a row, or use of more than 1 inhaler every 8 weeks), the patient should seek immediate medical attention. It may be a sign of worsening asthma, which is a serious condition. It may take 1 week or longer before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. The doctor should be informed immediately if the condition persists or worsens.
Adavir (Salmeterol/Fluticasone) may lead to certain side-effects such as hoarseness, throat irritation, headache, rapid heartbeat, nervousness, cough, dry mouth/throat, or upset stomach may occur. Consultation should be done with the doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: white patches on tongue/in mouth, increased thirst/urination, persistent weight gain, vision problems (e.g., blurred vision), shaking, severe muscle cramping, chest pain, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, seizures, rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Before using this medication, the patient should inform the doctor or pharmacist about the medical history, especially of: high blood pressure, brittle bones (osteoporosis), depression, diabetes, eye problems (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma), heart problems (e.g., angina, irregular heartbeat, qt prolongation in the ekg), any recent infection, liver problems, low potassium levels (hypokalemia), seizures, smoking, thyroid problems (e.g., overactive thyroid).
This drug should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: natalizumab. The patient should avoid taking mao inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before, during, and after treatment with this medication. In some cases a serious, possibly fatal drug interaction may occur.
Before using this medication, the doctor or pharmacist should be told about all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products the patient may use, especially: aldesleukin, amphotericin b, other asthma drugs (e.g., quick-relief inhalers), beta blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol), corticosteroids taken by mouth (e.g., dexamethasone, prednisone), inhaled anesthetics (e.g., halothane), mifepristone, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline), "water pills"/diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide).other drugs besides this product which may affect the heart rhythm (qtc prolongation in the ekg) include dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, amiodarone, quinidine, sotalol, and erythromycin, among others.
In case of overdose the patient should contact the local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Us residents can call the us national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures, chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, severe muscle cramping, fainting.
Before using this medication, proper consultation should be done with the doctor if :