Advair
(fluticasone / salmeterol)
Prevents breathing problems.
Our bottom line
Advair (fluticasone / salmeterol) combines two medicines into one inhaler, but it might be expensive.
- Drug class: Respiratory
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- 2-in-1 medicine is more effective together than alone.
- The diskus is used to treat both COPD and asthma.
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What to expect from Advair, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
799Downsides
- Take it daily and consistently for the best results. It is not for on-demand treatment of wheezing or asthma attacks.
- Rinse your mouth with water after each inhalation to avoid fungal infections of the mouth.
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What to expect from Advair, on one page
Download Fact SheetAdvair (fluticasone / salmeterol) is a combination medicine. Fluticasone is a steroid that lowers inflammation, while salmeterol relaxes muscles in the lungs to open the airways and make breathing easier.
- Drug class: Respiratory
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Prices and coupons
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Pay as low as$127.49Retail priceRetail priceLearn more- Get free discount
$132.68 - Get free coupon
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$135.74
What to expect when you take Advair (fluticasone / salmeterol) for Asthma
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Lung infection
- Sore throat
- Fungal infection of the mouth
- Stomach upset
Side effect rates for Advair (fluticasone / salmeterol)
- Lung infection27%27%14%14%
- Sore throat13%13%6%6%
- Headaches12%12%7%7%
- Lung inflammation7%7%5%5%
- Hoarseness5%5%
- Sinus inflammation4%4%4%4%
- Colds and flu4%4%3%3%
- Nausea and vomiting4%4%1%1%
- Stomach upset4%4%1%1%
- Diarrhea4%4%1%1%
- Muscle and joint pain4%4%3%3%
- Stomach flu3%3%2%2%
- Fungal infections3%3%1%1%
- Cough3%3%2%2%
- Bronchitis2%2%2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Advair.
People taking Advair felt side effect more
People taking Advair felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Advair (fluticasone / salmeterol)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Asthma
- › Children under 18
Salmeterol, a component of Advair (fluticasone / salmeterol), increases the risk of death for some people with asthma. This is more likely to happen the longer you're on it. You should only be on it if other medicines used to control asthma haven't worked. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats symptoms of asthma in adults and adolescents 12 years and older.