Advair Diskus

Do not use Advair Diskus more often than your doctor has prescribed. Excessive use can cause heart irregularities. Use Advair Diskus with caution if you have any kind of heart disorder or high blood pressure. Alert your doctor immediately if you develop chest pain, heart palpitations, nervousness, or tremor.

Long-term use of the medications in Advair Diskus could exacerbate certain conditions. Your doctor will monitor you closely if you have any of the following: infections caused by a virus, fungus, or bacteria (including tuberculosis); blood sugar problems; overactive thyroid; seizures; eye problems (such as cataracts or glaucoma); blood disorders; and osteoporosis or an increased risk of losing bone mineral density.

Steroids taken by mouth or injection have been shown to slow or stop growth in children and cause reduced adrenal gland function. If enough medication is absorbed following inhalation, it's possible that Advair Diskus could also cause these effects. The doctor will prescribe the lowest possible dose to lessen the chance of an effect on growth or adrenal gland function. It is important that children taking this medication visit their doctors regularly so that their growth rates may be monitored. Before this medicine is given to a child, you and your doctor should talk about the benefits as well as the risks of using it.

People taking this medicine may be more susceptible to infections. Try to avoid contact with people who have measles or chickenpox, and notify the doctor if you or your child is exposed. The steroid component of Advair Diskus tends to lower immunity and could make these infections worse.

Do not use Serevent (salmeterol), Foradil (formoterol), or other long-acting inhalers while using Advair Diskus. They contain the same type of active ingredient, and will provide no extra benefit.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Advair Diskus

If Advair Diskus is used with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining this medication with the following:

Antidepressants categorized as "tricyclics," such as Elavil and Tofranil
Antidepressants called "monoamine oxidase inhibitors," such as Nardil and Parnate
Beta blockers (drugs such as Inderal and Tenormin that are used to control blood pressure and treat various heart conditions)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Long-acting inhalers such as Serevent and Foradil
Ritonavir (Norvir)
Water pills (diuretics) such as HydroDIURIL and Lasix