Why Take ADVAIR Every Day
COPD is a chronic condition that is always there. That’s why it is important to take ADVAIR twice a day, every day, to help improve lung function so you can breathe better.* 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 by patients to treat, sudden, severe symptoms of COPD. ADVAIR won’t replace a rescue inhaler. You should take 1 inhalation of ADVAIR twice a day. Higher doses will not provide additional benefits.
ADVAIR is a medication that should be taken regularly, every day, as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Unlike a fast-acting inhaler that you carry with you and only use when you have sudden COPD symptoms, you should take ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 twice a day, every day.
After you start taking ADVAIR, you may notice you are breathing better. Because you are breathing better, you may think you can cut back on your twice-daily doses of ADVAIR. However, breathing better means that your ADVAIR is working. So continue to take your ADVAIR twice a day, every day as directed by your physician.
Make ADVAIR a part of your daily routine. Many people take their ADVAIR before they brush their teeth. This habit helps them remember to take ADVAIR both in the morning and at night.
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.
*Measured by a breathing test in people taking ADVAIR 250/50, compared with people taking fluticasone propionate 250 mcg or salmeterol 50 mcg. Your results may vary.
