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Risks of Advair

Advair—generic names fluticasone and salmeterol—prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Advair uses include the prevention of asthma attacks and the prevention of flare-ups of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) linked to emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Advair has serious, sometimes fatal, risks associated with its use. In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration raised concerns over long-acting beta agonist medicines in pediatric patients with asthma.

  1. Infection

    • The use of Advair contains the risk of localized infection of the mouth and pharynx. Doctors can treat the infection, known as Candida albicans, with local or systemic antifungal therapy. Patients can continue using Advair during the treatment of Candida albicans, but sometimes treatment gets temporarily suspended under doctor’s supervision. Recommendations suggest thoroughly rinsing the mouth after Advair use.

    Breathing Risks

    • Because Advair contains salmeterol (a long-acting inhaled beta agonist) serious (sometimes fatal) asthma-related breathing difficulties occur. According to “The Salmeterol Multicenter Asthma Research Trial” conducted in 2006, more participants that used salmeterol died from asthma problems than patients who used the placebo. Long-acting beta agonists help relax the muscles around the airways in the lungs. When the airways relax, it helps prevent asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. No proof exists to determine if fluticasone increases the risk of death from asthma when used with salmeterol.

    Hypercorticism

    • Advair may cause systemic corticosteroid effects of hypercorticism, also known as hyperadrenocorticism. This produces over-secretion of hormones from the adrenal cortex. Deaths have occurred because of adrenal insufficiency during and after the transfer from systemic corticosteroids. Patients must slowly wean from other systemic corticosteroids when switching to Advair.

    Growth Risks

    • The use of orally inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate, may reduce the growth rate when given to pediatric patients. Doctors must closely monitor pediatric patients for appropriate growth rates.

    Eye Risks

    • Prolonged use of corticosteroids increases the risk of certain eye-related problems, including cataracts and glaucoma. Recommendations suggest patients adhere to a regular eye-examination routine.

    Bone Loss

    • Extended use of steroids can lead to bone loss (osteoporosis) in certain patients. Smoking, lack of exercise, insufficient vitamin D or calcium and a family history of the disease all increase the risk of osteoporosis when taken with steroids.

    Pneumonia

    • Patients who use Advair may find it harder to notice the signs of an infection. This puts the user at a higher risk of developing an infection, especially pneumonia. Patients experiencing pneumonia symptoms (such as persistent sore throat, fever, chills and an increased trouble breathing) need to consult a physician right away.

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