FAQs About ADVAIR DISKUS for COPD

Here are some frequently asked questions about ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50. Click here to find answers to questions about COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both.

ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 is approved for adults with COPD, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. ADVAIR DISKUS is not for, and should not be used to treat, sudden, severe symptoms of COPD. ADVAIR won't replace a rescue inhaler. You should only take 1 inhalation of ADVAIR twice a day. Higher doses will not provide additional benefits.

Ask your doctor if ADVAIR DISKUS is right for you.

• What are the benefits of using ADVAIR DISKUS for COPD?
• What are possible side effects of ADVAIR DISKUS?
• Has ADVAIR DISKUS been prescribed for many people with COPD?
• How does ADVAIR DISKUS work?
• How long does it take for ADVAIR DISKUS to start working?
• My symptoms are better since I started using ADVAIR DISKUS. Can I stop taking it?
• How do I take ADVAIR DISKUS?
• Does ADVAIR DISKUS replace my rescue inhaler?
• How do I store the ADVAIR DISKUS?
• Do I have to carry the DISKUS^® with me all day?
• What if I am having difficulty paying for my ADVAIR DISKUS?
• What is thrush? How is it treated?

What are the benefits of using ADVAIR DISKUS for COPD?

ADVAIR helps significantly improve lung function so you can breathe better.* Unlike most COPD medications, ADVAIR contains both an anti-inflammatory^† and a long-acting bronchodilator working together to help improve your lung function. COPD includes chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. ADVAIR DISKUS is not for, and should not be used to treat, sudden, severe symptoms of COPD. ADVAIR won't replace a rescue inhaler.

ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 is also clinically proven to help reduce the number of COPD exacerbations in people who have had an exacerbation. Learn more about exacerbations.
*Measured by a breathing test in people taking ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50, compared with people taking either fluticasone propionate 250 mcg or salmeterol 50 mcg. Your results may vary.
^†It is not known how anti-inflammatories work in COPD.

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What are the possible side effects of ADVAIR DISKUS for COPD?

• ADVAIR DISKUS can cause serious side effects, including:
  • serious allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical care if you get any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:
    • rash
    • hives
    • swelling of the face, mouth, and tongue
    • breathing problems
  • sudden breathing problems immediately after inhaling your medicine
  • effects on heart
    • increased blood pressure
    • a fast and irregular heartbeat
    • chest pain
  • effects on nervous system
    • tremor
    • nervousness
  • reduced adrenal function (may result in loss of energy)
  • changes in blood (sugar, potassium, certain types of white blood cells)
  • weakened immune system and a higher chance of infections. You should avoid exposure to chickenpox and measles, and, if exposed, consult your healthcare provider without delay. Worsening of existing tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, or ocular herpes simplex may occur.
  • lower bone mineral density. This may be a problem for people who already have a higher chance of low bone density (osteoporosis).
  • eye problems including glaucoma and cataracts. You should have regular eye exams while using ADVAIR.
  • pneumonia. People with COPD have a higher chance of getting pneumonia. ADVAIR may increase the chance of getting pneumonia. Call your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:
    • increase in mucus (sputum) production
    • change in mucus color
    • fever
    • chills
    • increased cough
    • increased breathing problems
• Common side effects of ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 for COPD include:
  • thrush in the mouth and throat
  • throat irritation
  • hoarseness and voice changes
  • viral respiratory infections
  • headache
  • muscle and bone pain

Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the side effects with ADVAIR DISKUS. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Click here for more information on risks and side effects.

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Has ADVAIR DISKUS been prescribed for many people with COPD?

Millions of people with COPD have been prescribed ADVAIR.

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How does ADVAIR DISKUS work?

Unlike most COPD medications, ADVAIR contains both an anti-inflammatory^† and a long-acting bronchodilator working together to help improve your lung function. Your results may vary. COPD includes chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. ADVAIR DISKUS is not for, and should not be used to treat, sudden, severe symptoms of COPD. ADVAIR won't replace a rescue inhaler.
^†It is not known how anti-inflammatories work in COPD

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How long does it take for ADVAIR DISKUS to start working?

You may experience an improvement in lung function as early as the first day of treatment. Maximum results may take several weeks. It's important to take your ADVAIR twice a day, every day. ADVAIR DISKUS is not for, and should not be used to treat, sudden, severe symptoms of COPD. Remember, ADVAIR won't replace a rescue inhaler for acute symptoms. Higher doses do not provide additional benefits.

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My symptoms are better since I started using ADVAIR DISKUS. Can I stop taking it?

Do not stop using ADVAIR DISKUS or other medicines unless told to do so by your healthcare provider because your symptoms might get worse. Your healthcare provider will change your medicines as needed. So continue to take your ADVAIR twice a day, every day.

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How do I take ADVAIR DISKUS?

ADVAIR is a medication that you inhale to help improve lung function so you can breathe better* and it reduces exacerbations in people with a history of exacerbations. Use it once in the morning and once at night, about 12 hours apart, every day. ADVAIR DISKUS is not for, and should not be used to treat, sudden, severe symptoms of COPD. ADVAIR won't replace a rescue inhaler.
^*Measured by a breathing test in people taking ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50, compared with people taking either fluticasone propionate 250 mcg or salmeterol 50 mcg. Your results may vary.

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Does ADVAIR DISKUS replace my rescue inhaler?

ADVAIR does not replace your fast-acting rescue inhaler. Always carry your fast-acting rescue inhaler with you for sudden symptoms of COPD.

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How do I store the ADVAIR DISKUS?

Store the DISKUS^® at controlled room temperature, 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F), in a dry place away from direct heat or sunlight.

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Do I have to carry the DISKUS with me all day?

You only need to take one inhalation of ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 twice a day, every day. So there's no need to carry it with you. However, you should keep your fast-acting rescue inhaler with you at all times for sudden shortness of breath. ADVAIR DISKUS is not for, and should not be used, to treat sudden, severe symptoms of COPD. ADVAIR won't replace a rescue inhaler.

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What if I am having difficulty paying for my ADVAIR DISKUS?

GlaxoSmithKline offers multiple programs to help patients afford their medicine. To learn more about these programs, please go to www.GSKforyou.com.

Bridges to Access is a GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) program for low-income patients who do not have any prescription coverage and are not covered under Medicare Part D. There are also other eligibility requirements. If a patient qualifies, he/she may receive GSK medicine at little or no cost. You will need a healthcare worker who helps you with your care to enroll you. Find out more at www.bridgestoaccess.com or call 1-866-728-4368.

GSK Access is a GSK program for people enrolled in a Medicare Part D drug plan. It is for lower income patients who meet the eligibility requirements. The plan provides GSK medicines at no cost after the patient has already spent $600 or more for prescriptions in the year. Find out more at www.gsk-access.com or by calling 1-866-518-4357.

Together Rx Access™ is a discount program sponsored by GSK and other drug companies. It is for lower-income patients who do not have any prescription coverage. If a patient qualifies for the program, he/she may receive 25% to 40% savings on brand-name prescription products. Find out if you are eligible by visiting www.togetherrxaccess.com or calling 1-800-444-4106.

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What is thrush? How is it treated?

Thrush is the overgrowth of Candida, a fungus, in the mouth. Thrush is a common side effect of ADVAIR DISKUS. To help prevent thrush, after each dose, you should rinse your mouth with water and spit the water out. Do not swallow. Learn more about thrush.

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