fluticasone and salmeterol Health Article

Generic name(s):

fluticasone and salmeterol

Brand name(s):

fluticasone-salmeterol, Advair Diskus, Advair HFA

What is the most important information I should know about this medication?

Do not use this medication to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. Call your doctor right away if you feel that this medicine is not working as well as usual, or if it makes your condition worse. Salmeterol has been shown to increase the risk of asthma-related death. It is critical that you use only the prescribed dose of this medicine and follow all patient instructions for safe use of the medication.

What is fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation?

Fluticasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Salmeterol is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation is used to prevent asthma attacks. Fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation is also used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with chronic bronchitis.

Fluticasone and salmeterol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using this medication?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to fluticasone (Flonase, Flovent) or salmeterol (Serevent), or if you are having an asthma attack. Salmeterol has been shown to increase the risk of asthma-related death. It is critical that you use only the prescribed dose of this medicine and follow all patient instructions for safe use of the medication.

Before using fluticasone and salmeterol, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications, or if you have:

• a food or drug allergy;

• heart disease or high blood pressure;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• an infection of any kind;

• diabetes;

• glaucoma;

• tuberculosis;

• osteoporosis;

• a thyroid disorder; or

• liver disease.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication.

Long-term use of steroids may lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke, if you do not exercise, if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or if you have a family history of osteoporosis.