Correct use of Advair Diskus

Correct use of the Diskus:
• Hold the outer casing of the inhaler in one hand whilst pushing the thumb grip away until a click is heard.
• Hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece towards you and slide lever away until it clicks.
This makes the dose available for inhalation and moves the dose counter on.
• Holding the inhaler level, breathe out gently away from the device, put the mouthpiece in your mouth and suck in steadily and deeply.
• Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold breath for about 10 seconds.
• To close, slide thumb grip back towards you as far as it will go until it clicks.

Advair Diskus (Fluticasone/Salmeterol) is used for long-term prevention and treatment of asthma and chronic lung diseases.

• Dosage:
Advair Diskus 500 mcg (Normal Dosage)
Advair Diskus 250 mcg (Low Dosage)
Advair Diskus 100 mcg (Extra Low Dosage)

• Drug Uses:
Advair Diskus is used for long-term treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in certain patients.
It may also be used to treat other breathing conditions as determined by your doctor.

• How to use:
Use Advair Diskus as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Advair Diskus comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully.
Read it again each time you get Advair Diskus refilled. Do not use a spacer with Advair Diskus.
Always ready and use this device in a level, flat position.

• Using:
Hold the device in one hand and put the thumb of your other hand on the thumb grip.
Push your thumb away from you as far as it will go until the mouthpiece appears and snaps into position.
Hold the device in a level, flat position with the mouthpiece toward you.
Slide the lever away from you as far as it will go until it clicks.

Do NOT close or tilt the device!
Do NOT play with the lever!
Do NOT move the lever more than 1 time. This may release or waste extra doses.
Hold the device away from your mouth and breathe out fully.
Do NOT breathe out into the inhaler!

Put the mouthpiece to your lips. Breathe in quickly and deeply through the device.
Remove the device from your mouth.
Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or as long as is comfortable. Then breathe out slowly.
Close the device. Put your thumb on the thumb grip and slide it back toward you as far as it will go.
The device will click shut and the lever will return to its original position.

Important:
Your dose of medicine is a very fine powder. Most, but not all, patients can taste or feel the dose.
Do NOT use another dose if you do not taste or feel the medicine.
If you are not sure if you are receiving your dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Rinse your mouth with water after using Advair Diskus.
DO NOT swallow the rinse solution. Spit the rinse water out.
If you are using other inhaled medicines, wait a few minutes between using Advair Diskus Powder and other inhalers, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
Take your doses of Advair Diskus about 12 hours apart, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Never wash the mouthpiece or any other part of the inhaler. Keep it dry. Store Advair Diskus in a dry place.

Throw Advair Diskus Powder away 1 month after you remove it from the foil pouch, or after the dose indicator reads 0, whichever comes first.
You may breathe more easily after the first dose of Advair Diskus. However, it may take 1 week or longer to achieve the most benefit.
Use Advair Diskus Powder on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Using Advair Diskus at the same times each day will help you remember to use it.
Do not stop using Advair Diskus even if you feel better unless your doctor tells you to. If you miss a dose of Advair Diskus, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

• Storage:
Store Advair Diskus at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a dry place. Store away from direct heat and sunlight, moisture, and light.
The inhalation device is not reusable and should be discarded 1 month after removal from the moisture-protective foil overwrap pouch or after all blisters have been used, whichever comes first.

• Use with other Drugs:
Drugs approved for the use with the Diskus include fluticasone (Flixotide, Flovent, Flutide), Salmeterol (Serevent) and a combination of both substances (Advair, Viani).