What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Advair Inhaler (Fluticasone / Salmeterol)
Also Known as Seretide
Generic Equivalent - Advair Inhaler (Fluticasone / Salmeterol)
Prescription Required
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Product Details
Description
Advair Inhaler (Fluticasone/Salmeterol)
Chemical Name: FLUTICASONE (flew-TICK-uh-sone) and SALMETEROL (sal-MET-er-all)
ADVAIR helps patients breathe better. It consists of a combination of two medications (fluticasone and salmeterol) that are used to help control the symptoms of asthma and improve lung function. Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid that decreases inflammation in the lungs, which can lead to asthma symptoms. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) used in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
It treats both main causes of asthma symptoms-airway constriction and inflammation-to help prevent symptoms before they start. Results may vary, depending on the patient. Please note that this medication is used to prevent asthma attacks and will not relieve an asthma attack that has already started.
Advair Inhaler Price
Advair Inhaler price varies depending on where it is purchased. Buy it online to easily compare the Advair Inhaler cost. There is also a better chance of receiving a coupon online, opposed to waiting for instore sales, reducing the Advair Inhaler cost even more. Shopping online is also easy and convenient, with delivery direct to your doorstep.
In addition Canada Pharmacy also offers a Lowest Advair Inhaler Price Guarantee, so you can minimize your Advair Inhaler cost.
See the product reviews below, from Canada Pharmacy customers who have bought this medication. In addition to those, read the Directions, Side Effects, and Cautions stated below as well.
Advair Inhaler Coupon
Sign up with Canada Pharmacy to receive a Advair Inhaler coupon when it becomes available. If available, it will be emailed to Canada Pharmacy customers who buy their medications online. At this time there is no Advair Inhaler coupon offered directly on the website.
Fact Table
Formula
Fluticasone: C22H27F3O4S1, Salmeterol: C25H37NO4
License
US FDA, US DailyMed, US FDA
Bioavailability
Fluticasone: Depends on formulation (e.g., nasal spray, inhaler, or topical cream); generally well-absorbed when administered correctly, Salmeterol: Low oral bioavailability due to high first-pass metabolism; more fat-soluble than short-acting beta-2 agonists like albuterol
Legal status
Rx-Only
Chemical Name
Fluticasone / Salmeterol
Elimination half-life
Fluticasone: 10 hours, Salmeterol: 5.5 hours
Dosage (Strength)
50mcg / 25mcg (45 / 21mcg) (120 doses / inhaler),125mcg / 25mcg (115 / 21mcg) (120 doses / inhaler),250mcg / 25mcg (230 / 21mcg) (120 doses / inhaler with dose counter),50mcg/25mcg(45/21mcg)(120 doses/inhaler),125mcg /25mcg (115/21mcg)(120 doses/inhaler),250mcg/25mcg(230/21mcg)(120 doses/inhaler)
Pregnancy
Consult a doctor
Brands
Advair
Protein binding
91%
PubChem CID
5311101
MedlinePlus
a695002
ChEBI
5134
ATC code
R01AD08
DrugBank
DB13867
KEGG
D01708
Routes of administration
Inhaled
Directions
Advair HFA is used by breathing it in through the mouth. Adults and adolescents 12 and older usually take 2 puffs twice a day, about 12 hours apart, in the morning and evening. Your healthcare provider will choose the right strength based on how severe the asthma symptoms are.
Before using it for the first time, shake the inhaler for 5 seconds and spray 4 test sprays into the air away from your face. If it has not been used for more than 4 weeks or has been dropped, shake it and spray 2 test sprays before using it. Do not spray it toward your eyes.
After each dose, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out to help prevent a yeast infection in your mouth or throat. Advair HFA will not treat sudden breathing problems, so keep a rescue inhaler with you. Use Advair every day as prescribed, and throw it away when the dose counter reads 000.
Ingredients
The active ingredients are fluticasone propionate and salmeterol. The medication comes as a suspension in the propellant HFA-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane).
Cautions
Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
- Any existing health conditions
- Any allergies
- A list of all medications currently being taken
Advair HFA is a daily controller medication, not a quick-relief medicine. Do not reach for it during a sudden flare-up of breathing, and do not start it while your asthma is worsening quickly.
Never combine it with another product that contains a LABA, as doing so increases the risk of overdose.
The inhaled steroid in Advair HFA can allow a yeast infection, also called thrush, to develop in the mouth or throat. Rinsing with water and spitting it out after every dose helps prevent this.
Because inhaled steroids can lower the body’s defenses against infection, take extra care if you have an active infection such as tuberculosis, an eye herpes infection, or a fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection. Infections like chickenpox or measles can become more severe, so avoid contact with anyone who has them if you are not already immune.
Coming off oral steroid tablets too quickly while starting Advair HFA can affect the adrenal glands, so any switch should be tapered gradually under medical supervision. At high doses, or in people who are especially sensitive, the steroid ingredient may also affect normal adrenal hormone production.
In rare cases, the airways may tighten suddenly straight after a puff, known as paradoxical bronchospasm. Should this happen, use your rescue inhaler immediately, stop using Advair HFA, and let your provider know.
Salmeterol can stimulate the heart and nervous system. Let your provider know if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, an irregular or fast heartbeat, or a seizure disorder, as well as conditions like an overactive thyroid, diabetes, or ketoacidosis. The medicine may also lower blood potassium and raise blood sugar levels.
With ongoing use, inhaled steroids can gradually weaken the bones and, in the eyes, increase the chance of glaucoma or cataracts. Growth should be tracked in children and teens.
Advair HFA should not be combined with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ritonavir or ketoconazole, and extra caution is needed with MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, beta-blockers, and non–potassium-sparing diuretics.
The canister is pressurized. Do not puncture it, and do not use or store it near heat or an open flame. Exposure to temperatures above 120°F may cause bursting.
Store at room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with the mouthpiece down, and let the inhaler reach room temperature before use. Keep out of reach of children.
Contraindications
Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:
- As the primary treatment of a severe, sudden asthma attack, also called status asthmaticus, or acute episodes of asthma that need intensive measures.
- A known allergy or hypersensitivity to fluticasone propionate, salmeterol, or any other ingredient in Advair HFA.
Side Effects
As with most medications, ADVAIR can cause side effects. Consult your medical professional if any of these common side effects persist:
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- headache
- mild muscle or bone pain
- nausea and/or vomiting
- nervousness
- throat irritation and/or swelling
- tremors
Seek medical attention immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
- Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue)
- behavior changes and/or severe mood swings
- blurred vision or other vision changes
- burning, numbness, or tingling
- tightness in the chest
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- seizures
- severe muscle weakness, cramps, or spasms
- persistent bone pain
- symptoms of high blood sugar (increased thirst, urination, or hunger)
- insomnia
- tiredness or weakness
- vaginal odor or discharge
- weight gain
- worsening of asthma or COPD symptoms
Contact your medical professional immediately if any of the above noted symptoms apply to you. This is not a complete list of all side effects. If you require advice or have questions about side effects, contact your medical professional for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions about Advair
How do you use an Advair inhaler?
To use the Advair Diskus inhaler, slide the mouthpiece open, push the lever to load the dose, inhale deeply, hold your breath for at least 10 seconds, and rinse your mouth after each use.
Is Advair a rescue inhaler?
No, Advair is not a rescue medicine. It will not work fast enough to treat an asthma or bronchospasm attack.
Is Advair a steroid inhaler?
Yes, Advair contains a combination of fluticasone and salmeterol. Fluticasone is a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Is it OK to take Advair every day?
Yes, Advair is usually taken twice daily using an inhaler.
What to avoid when taking Advair?
You should avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Do not use a second long-acting inhaled bronchodilator unless your doctor tells you to.
What does Advair do for your lungs?
Advair works by reducing inflammation in the airways and opening up the bronchial tubes, making it easier for air to flow in and out of the lungs.
Can you stop Advair suddenly?
It’s not recommended to stop Advair suddenly as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness.
Can Advair cause weight gain?
Some users of Advair have reported experiencing slight weight gain. The increase in weight is probably due to water retention or changes in fat metabolism.
Can you be on Advair long term?
Advair is generally safe for long-term use, but like all medications, it has potential risks.
Who should not use Advair?
You should not use Advair if you are allergic to the active ingredients fluticasone, salmeterol, or milk proteins.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 9310
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