Breathing problems like asthma has various medications to help control the condition. However, this condition may worsen after some time so physicians may prescribe other treatment options. Advair Diskus is one of the inhaled for everyone to know about this medication and how it will work among individuals.
Indications
Asthma treatment is the first thing that comes into mind upon hearing Advair Diskus as a medication. What most people do not know is it is also used for COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. On the latter condition, this medication is used as a maintenance treatment to reduce exacerbations and provide better airflow.
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Active components
Advair Diskus works with the help of two major components:
Fluticasone Propionate
A type of corticosteroid, which a known component with anti-inflammatory effects. Typically, inflammation is indicated as an essential factor when it comes to the pathologic development of asthma and COPD. This indicates the effectiveness of this component against asthma although it is not noted as an actual treatment for COPD but rather a maintenance component.
Salmeterol Xinafoate
This is a component which helps in lessening bronchial hyper-responsiveness.
These two components work together in providing relief on these conditions in terms of breathing.
Dosages
Advair Diskus comes in three dosages suitable for different ages and medical problems. The dosage 100/50 is ideal for asthma patients with age range from 4 to 11 years old. Asthma patients from age 12 to and above can take the aforementioned dosage, 250/50, or 500/50. The 250/50 dosage is used for COPD as maintenance treatment.
Important notes on the medication
- While some people do not find the importance of consulting a physician before taking any medication, experts emphasize that Advair Diskus should only be taken by individuals as recommended by doctors. People may know that they have asthma and will just take this medication without prescriptions. This medication should only be given to patients if physicians think that current medication cannot properly take care of asthma or COPD.
- Although this Advair Diskus is quite effective among patients, experts emphasize that this should not be used as immediate treatment for sudden onset of severe asthma or COPD symptoms. This will not work as a inhaler so it is advised to have a rescue inhaler on hand at all times.
Side effects
Headache as an adverse effect
Just like other medications, Advair Diskus have serious and common side effects. They may also vary depending on the dosage inhaled by patients. The following are some of the common and serious side effects of this medication.
Common side effects:
- Hoarseness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Thrush in the throat and mouth
Serious side effects:
- Tremors
- Nervousness
- Rash and hives
- Increased blood pressure
- Weaker immune system
People with asthma and COPD need additional medication in order to improve breathing and get comfort from it. Knowing more about Advair Diskus will prepare individuals who may need this medication in the future especially if they suffer from these conditions. As noted, it is essential to get prescriptions from physicians before using this product and understand its details before using this treatment medication.
Featured image source: Advair.com