Does Advair Make You Gain Weight?

Advair is a popular asthma and chronic obstructive-pulmonary disease medication that is inhaled through a disk apparatus and approved for children who are 4 and older. There are several possible side effects associated with Advair, including the possibility of weight gain while taking the medication.

What is Advair?

• Advair is a steroid that is inhaled in the control of asthma and COPD that deals with both the airway constriction and the inflammation of the lungs that are symptoms of the respiratory illnesses. Unlike many other types of medications that treat the attacks when they happen, Advair treats the asthma and COPD symptoms before they start. If you do have an attack while taking Advair, you should use your rescue inhaler and keep it with you at all times.
  The most common side effects of Advair are respiratory thrush in the mouth and throat, respiratory symptoms, headaches, stomach irritation and general muscle aches, according to the Advair website. Other serious side effects include heart problems, eye swelling, migraines and sleep disorders, according to drugs.com.

Advair and Weight Gain

• According to emedtv.com, during the initial trials of Advair there were no complaints of weight gain associated with taking the drug. It wasn't until use of the drug became widespread that complaints of weight gain became apparent. The weight gain associated with Advair is difficult to determine, because those who gain only a little weight may not report it to a doctor, and only those with excessive weight gain may have reported it to a doctor. As such, the prevalence of weight gain with Advair is not apparent, but it could be much larger than reports suggest.
  If you experience weight gain while using Advair, report it to your doctor and he may take you off the medication or lower the dosage, especially if weight gain continues. You may need to change your diet, cutting out fatty and salty foods, eliminating excess alcohol consumption and eating more fruits and vegetables. You can also begin an exercise regimen. Before starting any diet or weight loss plan, discuss it with our doctor to make sure it is the best course of action for you.