Advair HFA
Advair HFA is an inhaler, which is used to treat asthma and symptoms of COPD. The inhaler contains Fluticasone and Salmeterol as main working substances.
Before using the Advair HFA, you should consult your doctor and provide him with all the information. It is necessary to tell the doctor if you are allergic to any components of the drug, as well as any medicines, food and other substances. It’s necessary to tell your doctor if you experience any allergy symptoms, such as itching, coughing, rashes, wheezing, swelling of the face, or any other symptoms.
You should tell your doctor everything about your health problems and discuss with the doctor your using Advair HFA, in order to be sure, that this drug is good for you. Try to decide which one version is better for you - Advair HFA or Advair Diskus.
Try not to skip the doses to get the best results. Always take the dose of the drug that your doctor has assigned to you, even if you are feeling good. Use the inhaler on schedule at the same time. The drug is used only for breathing. After using the inhaler, rinse your mouth without swallowing the water. Before being used, the inhaler should be shaken well. Before the inhalation, you should make 4 testing injections in the air to check the inhaler functioning. Close the inhaler cap after each inhalation. Keep the inhaler away from fire. The inhaler is equipped with a dosage counter, so when the dosage counter shows zero, do not use the inhaler anymore.
Method of Application and Dosage
Usual adult dosage of salmeterol 250/50 for COPD is 1 inhalation two times per day. The drug intake should be repeated every 12 hours.
If shortness of breath occurs between the doses, an inhaled beta2-agonist of short action for immediate relief should be taken.
Salmeterol 50 mcg is the only allowed dosage for COPD treatment. It is not recommended to take higher doses.
As for treating asthma, the dosage of the drug for adults can be taken in the form of powder and aerosol. Inhalation powder dosage of salmeterol 100/50 mcg, 250/50 mcg or 500/50 mcg is 1 inhalation two times per day. Salmeterol 50 mcg can be used maximum two times per day. Aerosol dosage of salmeterol 45/21 mcg, 115/21 mcg or 230/21 mcg is 2 inhalations two times a day.
The maximum dose of salmeterol 31 mcg is one inhalation twice a day.
If you missed a dose, so skip it and take the next one on planned time. Don’t take two doses at once.
Side effects
Many drugs may cause various side effects. Taking Advair HFA sometimes may cause the occurrence of the following side effects: allergic reactions; rise of infection like chills, fever, cough, sore throat, ear pain, painful urine passing; high blood sugar level; low potassium level, as weakness, pain in the muscles, heartbeat disorder; features of a weak adrenal gland, as stomach disorder, absence of appetite and weight loss, high dizziness, weakness in the muscles, mood changes; high blood pressure; nervousness; behavior and voice disorder; seizures, pain in bones; wait gain; sleep disorder; serious breathing problems and others.
If you experience the following symptoms, you should immediately consult your doctor: stomach disorder, irritated throat, headache, common cold symptoms.
The list of the side effects is not complete, so if you want to know more about them, then consult your doctor.
Overdose
Immediately seek medical care if you think that you had an overdose. Tell the doctor about the dose you have taken and the way you did it.
Method of Storage
The drug should be stored at room temperature away from the heat in a safe dry place, which is not available for children. Expired drugs should be thrown away.