FAQs About ADVAIR

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.

What are the benefits of using ADVAIR DISKUS for COPD, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both?

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. Your results may vary. 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 250/50, compared with people taking fluticasone propionate 250 mcg or salmeterol 50 mcg. Your results may vary.
†It is not known how anti-inflammatories work in COPD.

Has ADVAIR DISKUS been prescribed for many people with COPD?

Millions of people with COPD have been prescribed ADVAIR. In fact, every day new patients are prescribed ADVAIR to help treat their COPD. Find out about ADVAIR.

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 lung function. Your results may vary. 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.

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, as directed by your doctor. 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.

My symptoms have gone away since I started using ADVAIR DISKUS. Can I stop taking it?

Unlike a fast-acting inhaler that you carry with you and only use when you are having symptoms, you should take ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 twice a day as directed by your doctor. ADVAIR helps to significantly improve lung function so you can breathe better.§ ADVAIR DISKUS is not for, and should not be used to treat, sudden, severe symptoms of COPD. ADVAIR won’t replace a rescue inhaler. 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, feeling better means that your ADVAIR is working. So continue to take your ADVAIR twice a day, every day, as directed by your physician.

§Measured by a breathing test in people taking ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50, compared with people taking fluticasone propionate 250 mcg or salmeterol 50 mcg. Your results may vary.

How do I take ADVAIR DISKUS?

ADVAIR is a medication that you inhale to help improve lung function so you can breathe better. 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. See how to use ADVAIR DISKUS.

Does ADVAIR DISKUS replace my rescue inhaler?

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

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.

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 inhaler with you at all times for sudden shortness of breath.

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 or call 1-866-GSK-FOR-U (1-866-475-3678).

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
  • 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.

Complete Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for ADVAIR DISKUS® (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder).

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