Using ADVAIR DISKUS
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.
We'd like to help you use ADVAIR DISKUS correctly. The DISKUS® is convenient to use. Simply use it once in the morning and once at night, as directed by your doctor.
Open.
Hold the DISKUS in one hand and put the thumb of your other hand on the thumbgrip. Push your thumb away from you as far as it will go until the mouthpiece appears and snaps into position.
Click.
Hold the DISKUS in a level, flat position with the mouthpiece towards you. Slide the lever away from you as far as it will go until it clicks. The DISKUS is now ready to use. Every time the lever is pushed back, a dose is ready to be inhaled. This is shown by a decrease in numbers on the dose counter.
Inhale.
Before inhaling your dose from the DISKUS, breathe out (exhale) fully while holding the DISKUS level and away from your mouth. Remember, never breathe out into the DISKUS mouthpiece. Put the mouthpiece to your lips. Breathe in quickly and deeply through the DISKUS. Do not breathe in through your nose. Remove the DISKUS from your mouth. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or for as long as is comfortable. Breathe out slowly.
CLOSE the DISKUS when you are finished taking a dose so that the DISKUS will be ready for you to take your next dose. Put your thumb on the thumbgrip and slide the thumbgrip back towards you as far as it will go. The DISKUS will click shut. The lever will automatically return to its original position. The DISKUS is now ready for you to take your next scheduled dose, due in about 12 hours.
- Never breathe into the DISKUS.
- Never take the DISKUS apart.
- Always ready and use the DISKUS in a level, flat position.
- Do not use the DISKUS with a spacer device.
- After each dose, rinse your mouth with water and spit the water out. Do not swallow.
- Never wash the mouthpiece or any part of the DISKUS. Keep it dry.
- Always keep the DISKUS in a dry place.
- Never take an extra dose, even if you did not taste or feel the medicine.
- To avoid releasing or wasting doses once the DISKUS is ready, do not close or tilt the DISKUS, and do not play with the lever or move the lever more than once.
- Discard ADVAIR DISKUS 1 month after you remove it from the foil pouch, or after the dose indicator reads "0," whichever comes first.
For full instructions on how to use ADVAIR DISKUS, and other important information, please see the Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for ADVAIR DISKUS.
Important Safety Information About ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 for COPD
- Do not use ADVAIR to treat sudden, severe symptoms of COPD. Always have a rescue inhaler medicine with you to treat sudden symptoms.
- Do not use ADVAIR DISKUS if you have severe allergy to milk proteins. Ask your doctor if you are not sure.
- Do not use ADVAIR more often than prescribed. Do not take ADVAIR with other medicines that contain long-acting beta2-agonists for any reason. Tell your doctor about medicines you take and about all of your medical conditions.
- 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 DISKUS.
- 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
- 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:
- 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, and muscle and bone pain.
