To continue with the difference between an asthma maintenance inhaler and an asthma rescue inhaler, you use a rescue inhaler to ‘rescue’ yourself from an asthma attack that’s underway. The maintenance inhaler for asthma, on the other hand, is used to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. You use it on a daily basis in a preventative approach, rather than a reactive one with a rescue inhaler. The Diskus is also used to treat COPD associated with chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
What happens during an asthma attack is the muscles surrounding the airway constrict it to the point that drawing breath into the lungs becomes very difficult. How the Advair Diskus works is the active medicinal ingredient in it – fluticasone – works to counteract the inflammatory response that leads to the muscles contracting involuntarily and tightening up the airway. Purchasing the Advair Diskus generic is fine too if you need to save money. It is equally as effective as the branded product.
Although it is best to always follow the directions that come with your prescription and as they are written on the packaging, here are general guidelines on how to use an Advair Diskus:
- Shake Advair Diskus for at least 5 seconds before dispensing a single dose of medication
- Place your mouth over the dispenser opening on the Diskus and seal your lips around it
- Use the activator to release one dose of fluticasone medication and inhale the entirety of it
- Remove the unit from your mouth, and use the handy dosage-remaining meter on the side of the unit to reference how many more doses you have remaining
- Rinse your mouth out with water after each use (to reduce the chance of oral thrush)
Side Effects
The majority of people that use an Advair Diskus to manage their asthma do not experience any side effects. However, they may be possible for others and may be indicated in Advair Diskus reviews. These apply to both the branded and Advair Diskus generic. They can include:
- headache, muscle pain, bone pain, back pain
- nausea and / or vomiting
- oral thrush or throat irritation
- ongoing cough, hoarseness or deepened voice
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat
- ear infection (although nearly always only seen in children, and keeping mind this product is only for those age 12 and up)