Advair Diskus® Inhaler for Asthma and COPD

Advair Diskus is a maintenance inhaler used to help control asthma and COPD. It combines an inhaled corticosteroid with a long-acting bronchodilator in a dry powder device. This page explains how it works, who it may suit, and how to use and store it, including options if you pay without insurance.

What Advair Diskus Is and How It Works

Advair Diskus® contains fluticasone propionate and salmeterol in a breath‑activated dry powder. Fluticasone reduces airway inflammation. Salmeterol relaxes airway smooth muscle to improve airflow. Together, they help prevent symptoms when used every day as directed. It is not a rescue medicine for sudden breathing problems. Keep a short‑acting reliever on hand for quick relief as advised by your clinician.

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The Diskus device holds individually sealed blisters and a dose counter. You open, slide the lever until it clicks, exhale away from the mouthpiece, inhale the powder deeply, then hold your breath briefly. Rinse your mouth and spit after each dose to help reduce the chance of thrush. Do not use a spacer with this device.

For more on related conditions, see Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Copd. You can also explore our Respiratory category.

Who It’s For

This medicine is used for long‑term control of asthma in patients who need both an inhaled corticosteroid and a long‑acting beta2‑agonist. It is also approved to help manage airflow limitation in adults with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is not for sudden symptoms or for patients whose asthma is controlled on an inhaled steroid alone.

People with severe milk protein allergy should not use the Diskus, as it contains lactose with milk proteins. Those with unstable asthma or acute worsening need medical attention and a fast‑acting bronchodilator. Discuss use if you have cardiovascular disease, arrhythmias, thyroid disorder, diabetes, bone density concerns, glaucoma, cataracts, tuberculosis, or chronic infections.

Dosage and Usage

The usual schedule is one inhalation twice daily, about 12 hours apart. Your prescriber selects a strength suited to your condition and severity. Use it consistently as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dose. It is not for immediate relief. Always have a quick‑relief inhaler available for sudden symptoms if your prescriber recommends one.

General technique tips:

• Prepare dose: hold flat, slide the lever until it clicks
• Exhale away: do not blow into the device
• Seal lips, inhale deeply: steady, strong breath in
• Hold breath briefly: then exhale slowly
• Rinse and spit after each use: helps reduce oral thrush

If you are unsure about technique, review the package insert or ask a healthcare professional. For more background on lung health, see Respiratory Care Week.

Strengths and Forms

The treatment is supplied as a breath‑activated Diskus containing multiple pre‑metered doses. Common strengths include 100/50, 250/50, and 500/50 micrograms of fluticasone propionate/salmeterol per inhalation. Label availability may vary by market and over time.

Some references describe the lower option as Fluticasone Salmeterol 100 50. Always follow the exact product label you receive.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take the next one at the usual time. Do not take extra puffs to make up for a missed dose. Try to space doses evenly, roughly 12 hours apart. If symptoms worsen or you need your reliever more often, contact a clinician.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the Diskus at room temperature in a dry place. Keep the device closed when not in use and away from moisture. Do not wash or take it apart. Keep out of reach of children. After opening the foil pouch, follow the discard timing on the label or when the counter reaches zero.

For travel, keep your inhaler and a copy of your prescription in your carry‑on. Protect it from extreme heat, cold, and humidity. Do not puncture or crush the device. If you use a medication bag or organizer, keep the Diskus dry and closed until each dose is ready.

Benefits

This combination therapy can help reduce day‑to‑day symptoms when used consistently. It may lower the risk of exacerbations in appropriate patients. Many appreciate the dry powder format and dose counter, which can make routine use simpler. Using one device for both anti‑inflammatory control and long‑acting bronchodilation can also support adherence.

Side Effects and Safety

• Throat irritation or hoarseness
• Cough or dry mouth
• Headache
• Nausea
• Oral thrush (mouth or throat yeast)
• Muscle cramps or tremor
• Palpitations

Serious but less common risks include paradoxical bronchospasm, pneumonia in COPD, allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, and effects related to steroids such as adrenal suppression or increased susceptibility to infection. Long‑term steroid use may affect bone density, eyes (glaucoma, cataracts), or growth in children. Beta2‑agonist effects can include changes in heart rate or blood pressure and, rarely, rhythm issues. Contact a healthcare professional urgently if breathing worsens after dosing or if signs of severe allergy occur.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (for example, ritonavir, cobicistat, ketoconazole, clarithromycin) can raise steroid levels and increase the risk of side effects. Beta‑blockers may reduce bronchodilation. Diuretics that lower potassium, other adrenergic drugs, MAO inhibitors, or tricyclic antidepressants may increase cardiovascular effects. Do not use additional LABA‑containing medicines with this treatment. Keep a reliever inhaler available if your prescriber recommends one. For a broader look at COPD care, read Bronchitis And COPD.

What to Expect Over Time

With regular use, many people notice steadier control and fewer day‑to‑day symptoms. The device’s counter helps you monitor remaining doses. If routine triggers or seasons affect your breathing, your prescriber may reassess your regimen during follow‑up. Keep using the treatment as directed even when you feel well, unless your clinician changes your plan. Always keep a fast‑acting inhaler available for sudden symptoms as advised.

Compare With Alternatives

Several combination inhalers offer similar maintenance support. Symbicort® pairs budesonide with formoterol in a metered‑dose inhaler. Breo® Ellipta combines fluticasone furoate with vilanterol in a once‑daily dry powder. Some patients may be candidates for a therapeutically equivalent generic formulation such as Wixela generic Advair. Your prescriber can help select and adjust a regimen based on your history and response.

Pricing and Access

You can view the Advair Diskus price and compare multi‑pack options on our product page. We offer transparent Canadian rates with US delivery from Canada. Final amounts can vary by strength and quantity. If you are looking for deals, see current Promotions. A valid prescription is required, and it is verified before dispensing.

For context and education, you may also find What Is Asthma helpful.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by strength and pack size. If the exact presentation is temporarily unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a comparable option. In some cases, a prescriber may consider Fluticasone Salmeterol 250 50 in an appropriate device or another approved combination. Only a healthcare professional can determine a suitable substitution for your treatment plan.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

People who need daily control and whose symptoms are not managed on an inhaled steroid alone may benefit from this therapy. It is not for acute bronchospasm or for those with severe milk protein allergy. If you have eye disease, bone density concerns, or a history of serious infections, discuss risks and monitoring with your clinician.

To help manage expenses, check the Advair inhaler price against multi‑month supplies. Ordering a 60‑ or 90‑day quantity can reduce per‑dose costs in many cases. Set refill reminders using the dose counter so you do not run out. If you travel, carry your inhaler and a copy of your prescription with you, and store it properly to maintain performance.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is this combination right for my asthma or COPD right now?
• Which strength should I start with, and how will we reassess?
• How should I adjust my reliever inhaler use with this treatment?
• What signs of side effects should I watch for and report?
• Do any of my current medicines interact with this inhaler?
• How long should I continue before evaluating control?
• What steps can I take to prevent oral thrush?

Authoritative Sources

GSK Product Information

FDA DailyMed

Health Canada DPD

Ready to proceed? Order when it fits your schedule for prompt, express shipping with temperature-controlled handling when required. Ships from Canada to US. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.