Advair HFA (fluticasone and salmeterol) is used to treat difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness caused by asthma. The combination of fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair Diskus) is also used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; a group of lung diseases that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema). The combination of fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair Diskus) is used in adults and children 4 years of age and older. The combination of fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair HFA) is used in children 12 years of age and older. Fluticasone is in a class of medications called steroids. It works by reducing swelling in the airways. Salmeterol is in a class of medications called long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs). It works by relaxing and opening air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Fluticasone Propionate/Salmeterol Xinafoate (Generic) is available for purchase. 

The combination of fluticasone and salmeterol comes as a powder and as an inhalation solution to inhale by mouth using a specially designed inhaler. It is usually used twice a day, in the morning and evening, about 12 hours apart. Use fluticasone and salmeterol at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use fluticasone and salmeterol exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Talk to your doctor about how you should take your other oral or inhaled medications for asthma during your treatment with salmeterol and fluticasone inhalation.

If you were using a short-acting beta agonist inhaler such as albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) on a regular basis, your doctor will probably tell you to stop using it regularly but to continue to use it to treat sudden attacks of asthma symptoms. Follow these directions carefully. Do not change the way you use any of your medications or stop taking any of your medications without talking to your doctor. Do not use fluticasone and salmeterol during an attack of asthma or COPD. Your doctor will prescribe a short-acting inhaler to use during attacks. Fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation controls the symptoms of certain lung diseases but does not cure these conditions. It may take a week or longer before you feel the full benefit of fluticasone and salmeterol. Continue to use fluticasone and salmeterol even if you feel well. Do not stop using fluticasone and salmeterol without talking to your doctor.

If you stop using fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation, your symptoms may return. Before you use fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation (Advair Diskus or Advair HFA) for the first time, read the written package instructions that come with it. Look at the diagrams and package instructions carefully and be sure that you recognize all the parts of the inhaler. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to show you how to use the inhaler. Practice using your inhaler while he or she watches, so you are sure you are doing it the right way. If your child will be using fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation, be sure that he or she knows how to use it. Watch your child each time he or she uses the inhaler to be sure that he or she is using it correctly. Never exhale into the inhaler, take the inhaler apart, or wash the mouthpiece or any part of the inhaler. Keep the inhaler dry. Do not use the inhaler with a spacer. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation (Advair Diskus or Advair HFA) manufacturer's information for the patient.

Before using fluticasone and salmeterol oral inhalation,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to fluticasone (Flonase, Flovent), salmeterol (Serevent), any other medications, milk protein, any foods, or any of the ingredients in fluticasone and salmeterol oral inhalation. Ask your pharmacist or check the Patient Information for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor if you use another LABA such as formoterol (Perforomist, in Dulera, in Symbicort) or salmeterol (Serevent, in Advair). These medications should not be used with fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation. Your doctor will tell you which medication you should use and which medication you should stop using.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: certain antifungals such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and ketoconazole; beta-blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), and propranolol (Inderal); clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpac); diuretics ('water pills'); HIV protease inhibitors such as atazanavir (Reyataz), other medications for asthma or COPD; medications for seizures. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking the following medications or have stopped taking them during the past 2 weeks: antidepressants such as amitriptyline. Many other medications may also interact with fluticasone and vilanterol, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become weak and fragile), and if you have or have ever had high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, seizures, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), diabetes, tuberculosis (TB), glaucoma (an eye disease), any condition that affects your immune system, or liver or heart disease. Also, tell your doctor if you have a herpes eye infection or any other type of infection and if you smoke or use tobacco products.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using fluticasone and salmeterol, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using fluticasone and salmeterol.
• tell your doctor if you have never had chickenpox or measles and have not been vaccinated against these infections. Stay away from people who are sick, especially people who have chickenpox or measles. If you are exposed to these infections or if you develop symptoms of these infections, call your doctor immediately. You may need to get a vaccine (shot) to protect you from these infections.

Fluticasone and salmeterol may cause side effects including:

• runny nose
• sneezing
• sore throat
• throat irritation
• sinus pain
• headache
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach pain
• muscle and bone pain
• dizziness
• weakness
• tiredness
• sweating
• tooth pain
• red or dry eyes
• shaking of a part of your body that you cannot control
• sleep problems

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away.

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following side effects, call your doctor immediately:

• coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness that begins soon after you inhale fluticasone and salmeterol
• hives; rash; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; 
• choking or difficulty swallowing; hoarseness;
• noisy, high-pitched breathing
• pounding fast, or irregular heartbeat
• fainting
• chest pain
• cough
• burning or tingling in the hands or feet
• blurred vision
• white patches in the mouth
• fever, chills, and other signs of infection

Fluticasone and salmeterol may cause children to grow more slowly. Your child's doctor will monitor your child's growth carefully. Talk to your child's doctor about the risks of giving this medication to your child. Fluticasone and salmeterol may increase the risk that you will develop glaucoma, cataracts, or osteoporosis. You will probably need to have regular eye exams and bone tests during your treatment with fluticasone and salmeterol. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication. Fluticasone and salmeterol may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

Q: Why is Advair HFA prescribed?

A: Advair HFA is a medicine that is used to prevent asthma attacks. 

Q: Are there any other uses for Advair HFA?

A: Yes, it is also used to prevent flare-ups or worsening of COPD associated with chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. 

Q: Is Advair HFA a rescue inhaler?

A: No, it will not work fast enough to treat an asthma or bronchospasm attack.

Q: Does Advair HFA have a generic alternative?

A: Fluticasone Propionate/Salmeterol Xinafoate (Generic) is available for purchase at a lower cost than the brand.

Q: How long until I see the effects of Advair HFA?

A: It may take 1 week or longer to see the full benefit of Advair HFA.

Q: What if I miss a dose of Advair HFA?

A: Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not inhale a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Q: How should I store this medication?

A: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from sunlight, excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).