Advair

Advair is a drug used to control COPD. It is a long acting beta2 agonist and a steroid medication. Advair may be inhaled twice a day.

Punkaj Khanna, a Pharmacist, explains what the drug called Advair is and how it works.

Advair is a drug used to control COPD. It is a long acting beta2 agonist and a steroid medication. Advair may be inhaled twice a day. If you are using more than one inhaler, make sure you ask your doctor the correct order.

Do not use Advair for sudden flare-ups or shortness of breath. In those cases, use a rescue inhaler. If you miss a dose, that's okay. Skip the missed dose and get back on schedule with the next one. Don't double up or take extra puffs of the medication.

Remember to follow your doctor's prescription instructions and make sure to ask questions if you're unsure of any aspect of your treatment.

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This video features Punkaj Khanna, Pharm. D.. Punkaj Khanna earned his Pharm.D. from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. He works at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and has special interests in patient education and compliance.

Duration: 2:16. Last Updated On: Feb. 8, 2018, 9:03 p.m.

Reviewed by: Dr Helen Maliagros Scott . Review date: Feb. 8, 2018

00:00 [SOUND] Hello, and welcome to HealthiNation.
00:07 I'm Punkaj Khanna, a pharmacist.
00:09 If you've been diagnosed with COPD your doctor may have prescribed Advair.
00:14 It is both a long-acting beta-agonist and a steroid that is used to control COPD.
00:21 It's not used for sudden flair-ups or shortness of breath.
00:24 In those cases use a rescue inhaler.
00:28 If you use advair, you will take a puff from the inhaler.
00:31 The doctor will prescribe how many puffs per day, and when you should take them.
00:36 It's important you follow these directions.
00:39 If you miss a dose.
00:40 That's okay.
00:41 Skip the missed dose, and get back on schedule with the next dose.
00:45 Don't double up, or take more puffs of the medication.
00:49 If you're using more than one type of inhaler,
00:52 ask your doctor in what order should you use them.
00:55 After you've inhaled Advair from the inhaler, rinse your mouth with water and
01:00 spit it out.
01:01 Do not swallow.
01:03 There are a few things to know about Advair, since it is a steroid,
01:08 using it for a long time can increase your chance of infection and illness.
01:12 That's because steroids suppress the immune system.
01:16 When using this medication, tell any doctor or
01:19 dentist that you visit, that you're using it.
01:23 Like all medications, Advair can cause side effects including headaches,
01:28 stomach ache, or irritation in your throat.
01:31 Some people can have an allergic reaction marked by hives, trouble breathing,
01:36 itching, swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue and throat.
01:41 If you experience any of these, or change in your heart rate, mood, energy level,
01:46 and even breathing, talk to your doctor immediately.
01:49 Finally, if you use Advair Diskus, be sure to write an opened on date,
01:54 this medication is only good for 30 days after being opened.
01:59 Advair HFA has a longer expiration period.
02:03 Remember to follow your doctor's prescription instructions, and
02:06 ask questions if you're unsure on any aspect of your treatment.
02:10 Thanks for watching.
02:11 [MUSIC]