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Important Things You Need To Know About Advair Inhalers

ADVAIR inhalers comprise a combination of two drugs, i.e., salmeterol and fluticasone that are useful for managing the symptoms of lung disorders like asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema). The impact of both these medications can be quite powerful, therefore, they are only to be used if prescribed. ADVAIR inhalers are recommended for both children (aged above 4 years) and adults. However, there might be certain age restrictions for kids depending on the type of inhaler used.

Important Things You Need To Know About Advair Inhalers

How do ADVAIR inhalers work?
Salmeterol is a bronchodilator that comes from a class of drugs known as long-acting beta-agonists. It relaxes the irritated muscles of the airways. This allows the airways in the lungs to open up and resume its normal breathing function. Fluticasone, on the other hand, belongs to a family of corticosteroids that prevents the discharge of inflammatory substances in the body.

For patients with asthma, the use of ADVAIR inhalers is implemented along with other medications to control severe and persistent symptoms of asthma. It is generally used as a part of short-term treatment for asthmatic individuals. Once the doctor senses the symptoms are under control, they will alter the prescription. It is imperative to note that ADVAIR inhalation medications prevent asthmatic attacks and are not an effective fast-acting remedy for an attack that has already started. Therefore, you should always carry your quick-relief inhaler to handle sudden attacks.

Conversely, for people with COPD, ADVAIR inhalers are prescribed as a part of long-term treatment. It can help minimize the COPD flare-ups that can include increased production of mucus, constant coughing, and shortness of breath. ADVAIR inhalers are used with oral steroids and antibiotics to treat COPD.

What factors to consider before using an ADVAIR inhaler?
Since ADVAIR has a combination of two powerful drugs it can interact unfavorably with certain health conditions. Therefore, make sure you discuss the following stated conditions:

  • Allergies – Inform your specialist about any allergies you have had associated with food, medications, animals, or products.
  • Health problems – If you have or are dealing with health problems like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, liver disease, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, epilepsy or seizures, infections, glaucoma, cataract, or tuberculosis, alert your doctor about it. Similarly, also notify your him/her about any recent surgeries or medicine course you’re on.
  • Pregnancy There isn’t enough conclusive material from studies that demonstrate the ill-effects of ADVAIR inhalers for pregnant women and the fetus. However, it still should be avoided. Likewise, if you are planning to have a baby or breastfeeding, ensure that to discuss all the risks with your specialist.

What side-effects accompany ADVAIR inhalation drugs?
If you are using an ADVAIR inhaler for the first time, the following common side-effects could occur.

  • Throat irritation
  • Hoarse voice
  • Headaches
  • Upset stomach

If you observe a persistent pattern of the side-effects mentioned above, then immediately update your doctor. Apart from these, some uncommon symptoms like sudden mood swings, rashes, itching, blurred vision, muscle cramps, excessive thirst or increased urge to urinate, trouble while sleeping, tremors and increased blood pressure. If these side-effects don’t subside in a few days, immediately contact your healthcare provider.

In some cases, individuals might suffer from severe side-effects such as:

  • Sudden chest pains
  • Dizziness
  • Fast or irregular pulse rate
  • Allergic reaction, i.e., hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of tongue, throat, and face
  • Pneumonia, especially in COPD patients
  • Recurrent infections (weakened immune system)

It is quite unlikely for such side-effects to occurs after using ADVAIR. However, if they arise, get emergency assistance right away. To evade any unfortunate circumstances, it is important to discuss your or your child’s medical history in detail.

How to use an ADVAIR inhaler?
The ADVAIR inhalers come with a usage guide. In case, if you do not understand certain specifications or want to verify some doubts, have a word with your doctor. They will instruct you on how to use the inhaler.

The dosage patterns vary across patients, so follow your doctor’s guidelines. There will be dosage directions on the label, however, they only mention the average intake. Therefore, using your doctor’s advice makes more sense. Moreover, if an ADVAIR inhaler is prescribed for your child who is younger than 12 years, then just stick to the doctor’s instructions. It is essential that you don’t use it more than what’s prescribed. Similarly, don’t stop using the inhaler without informing the doctor. This can increase the likelihood of experiencing side-effects or the onset of sudden asthmatic attacks or COPD flare-ups.

Advair sells asthma and COPD drugs separately. You can buy ADVAIR inhalers and inhalation medications from brick and mortar pharmacies as well as the online ones. Depending on the pharmacy your buy from and the amount of quantity prescribed, ADVAIR inhalation medications can cost around $100 to $400. However, these prices can be managed with the help of insurance coverage as well as the coupons offered by ADVAIR and other e-commerce websites.

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