Diskus
FLUTICASONE (flew-TICK-uh-sone) and SALMETEROL (sal-MET-er-all) is the chemical name for Advair.

Advair Common Uses
Advair is used for treatment to prevent or decrease the symptoms of asthma and chronic lung diseases such as emphysema, bronchitis, or COPD; this medicine is a combination "controller" medicine for long-term treatment. The airways of the lungs in two ways (decreasing bronchiolar swelling and causing muscle relaxation) can be opened with the help of Advair. It can also be used in other circumstances for treatment like for other breathing conditions, as if determined by your doctor. Advair should not be used for acute asthma attacks and not works immediately. For sudden shortness of breath or asthma attacks use other "quick-relief" medicines/inhalers.

Before Using Advair
Salmeterol may rarely be associated with serious asthma attacks (potentially fatal). Inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly, if you find that your fast-acting inhaler is not working as well or if you need to use it more often than usual, such as using 4 or more puffs daily or using more than 1 inhaler every 8 weeks; this may be a symbol of worsening asthma which is a serious condition. Without consulting your doctor do not stop taking Advair. Your breathing condition may get worse by doing so. It is advised you to talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using this medicine. At the same time when you are taking the medicine, keep all doctor and laboratory appointments. If you are taking ritonavir or lopinavir, it is recommended not to take Advair. Consult with your doctor for instructions, if you are using either of these medicines. If you are also taking other asthma medicines (e.g., quick-relief inhalers), oral corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, prednisone), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline), "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), HIV protease inhibitors, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), "adrenaline-like" stimulants (e.g., pseudoephedrine or ephedra), additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed. It is recommended not to use this inhaler within 2 weeks after stopping MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants because these medicines may increase the serious side effects of salmeterol. Without consulting doctor or pharmacist, do not start or stop taking any medicine. If you have any other medical conditions including heart disease (angina, arrhythmias), liver problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, low potassium levels (hypokalemia), eye problems (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma), depression, recent infection, seizures, thyroid problems (hyperthyroid or hypothyroid), any allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding than immediately inform your doctor. If you have a history of irregular/fast heartbeat (cardiac tachyarrhythmias), untreated lung infections (bacterial, fungal, or tuberculosis), or certain lung diseases (bronchiectasis), it is recommended not to use Advair. If you have any further queries regarding the medicine then contact your doctor.