Anyone take Advair?

[Aidensmom]

I have always just taken albuterol to combat an asthma attack when I get one. but because I end up getting bronchitis 2-3 times a year, my doctor just prescribed me Advair to try to keep the problems from ocurring in the first place.

Anyone else take this? How well does it work for you? Any side effects you are experiencing? I have had one dose so far, and already noticed it gives me very bad dry mouth and thirst.

 

[CindyBeth]

I actually kept getting yeast infections in my mouth from Advair so I switched back to Serevent and Flovent inhalors instead and have had no problems with those. It's funny, cuz Serevent and Flovent are the two medicines in Advair but with them together(in Advair) I had problems but taking them seperately I'm fine. One thing you should always do is take a sip of water before and after to help clear the medicine from your mouth, that may help with the dryness. Good luck!

 

[Lars624]

Advair has been wonderful for me. It really keeps my asthma under control. I still use albuterol as a rescue inhaler but I need it far less often than before I started on the Advair. I haven't really noticed any side effects from it.

 

[Mandabella]

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When taking Advair, you need to get into the habit of rinsing your mouth afterwards. It's possible to develop a yeast infection if you do not.....per my nurse at the allergist's office. It's also very, very easy to use. I am very happy with the way inhalers have progressed over time. I always thought some were a pain in the butt to use, but Advair is so easy.

I have had asthma for over 25 years now, and this drug was like a God send for me. Once I started taking it, my albuterol inhalers started expiring before I could finish them. It worked that well for me. I still keep albuterol around, but I rarely use it.

 

[aprilgail2]

Never take a sip of water right after an swallow...you need to rinse your mouth right out and spit the water out, not swallow...It worked great for me but I was only using it for 2 months due to pneumonia. My mom is on it right now due to pneumonia also and her Dr told her never to drink after using it, make sure she rinses her mouth well because it could make her havea rapid heart beat and she has heart trouble so he wanted to make sure she rinsed well after each time of using it.

 

[ducklite]

I've used it for a couple years now and love it. I've had ongoing issues with oral thrush from it, but am able to control that by stringent rinsing, using Scope (the alcohol in it helps) and taking adedophilus everyday.

I'd rather be able to breath well and have a little thrush (mine has not been painful) then be on the albuterol every day. Now like the other poster said, the Albuterol expires before I use it up.

Anne

 

[Mermaid02]

Yes I have been taking it for years. It works wonderfully for me.

 

[kilee]

Like everyone said it's really a great medicine for controlling asthma. Just be sure to rinse after each use since thrush is an issue. Had it once shortly after I started the Advair- I've been really good since then- and it's been a few years since I've had any recurrence.

 

[Christine]

My son uses it and his asthma is so much more controlled. One tip that I got from the staff at his specialist's office. After each dose of Advair, go gargle with Listerine (or another alchohol based mouthwash). Rinsing your mouth out with water will not "clear" it from the mouth tissues. Only mouthwash will. This will prevent you from getting a yeast infection.

My uncle was prescribed Advair (he is 68) and he got a horrible yeast infection in his mouth. He uses the mouthwash now and is fine.

My son uses the mouthwash also--but, even before he did, he never actually had problems with it. But, better safe than sorry.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I have taken it since it came out. I have not had bronchitis or an asthma attack since I started to take it. For me it really works.

 

[Kahana-ri]

DH took it for his asthma and it really helped control his symptoms. Advair combined with Singular has done wonders. I was put on Advair for a month for bronchitis and my wheezing and coughing was gone within days. The disc part of taking it is cool too!

 

[BeNJeNWaFFLe]

I have been taking Advair for about 5 years now. It has worked wonders with my asthma. I went from having severe asthma and numbers so low I scared my doctor, to being almost at the "normal" line. I am actually currently off Advair because of the wonders it has done for me. Hopefully it will do the same wonderful things for you.

The best way to avoid getting a yeast infection is to brush your teeth after using it. If you cannot do that, rinse your mouth out and do not swallow. Good luck!

 

[becka]

I don't know if you need any more info about Advair with so many other replies but DH started on Advair a few years ago after a bad bout of bronchitis that really caused problems with his asthma. Advair is the only thing that has seemed to really keep his asthma under control. His still occassionally will need to use his Albuterol but not very much.

 

[tink2020]

I just wanted to agree with all of this. Advair is an absolute miracle for a few of us sickies in my family. The side effects you mentioned are normal, though unfortunately (for some people). Anyone on Advair should ABSOLUTELY be advised to rinse out his mouth after each dose, regardless of whether any symptoms develop. The only side effects you really need to be concerned about are worsening of symptoms instead of improvement, and any sort of allergic reaction (that appears as swelling of throat, difficulty breathing, etc). Otherwise, hopefully rinsing and drinking plenty of water will take care of the others and the improvement will be well worth it!

 

[CathrynRose]

I have always just taken albuterol to combat an asthma attack when I get one. but because I end up getting bronchitis 2-3 times a year, my doctor just prescribed me Advair to try to keep the problems from ocurring in the first place.

Anyone else take this? How well does it work for you? Any side effects you are experiencing? I have had one dose so far, and already noticed it gives me very bad dry mouth and thirst.

Yeah - I didnt like it at all. My friend also took it - and had more asthma attacks taking it, then not.

It is strange - cuz the med is the same in the 2 inhalers I use - but it just didnt work and made me feel sick.

 

[offwegotoneverland]

Ds uses it and he also rinses (spitting not swallowing) then brushes teeth right away. No thrush issues for him and very good control...

 

[Aidensmom]

Thank you for all of your replies, and for the advice about the rinsing/mouthwash.

 

[ChristmasElf]

Advair works GREAT for everyone in this household that takes it, (3) there are a couple side effects that no one mentioned.


You may notice that you bruise easier or a typical bruise will be darker or more purple than in the past.
If you have surgery or somehow cut yourself, you will bleed a little more.
My DH has taken Advair for years. A couple years ago he was up on the roof and lost his footing and literally cartwheeled down the side of the house (2 story-a wonder he didn't kill himself ) Anyway, for 2 weeks, it looked like he had black knee socks on --his legs were that bruised!!!
Dr. said the Advair was causing the heavy bruising. Price ya pay for wanting to breathe!

 

[Karibeth19]

Advair has been such a blessing to me! My asthma is relatively mild, but I was at a point where I was using my rescue inhaler at least once a day, even if I had not been exercising or out in the cold. Sometimes, I would accidently leave my inhaler at home, and even if I was feeling fine, as soon as I realized I didn't have it, my chest would start to feel tight (It was mental, I know, but still, not a good feeling!). My Dr. put me on Advair in Feb. of 2005, and I have only used my rescue inhaler ONCE since then. That was because I was staying with my in-laws who have cats, and I am very allergic to cats. It has been so freeing not having to worry about using, or even having, my rescue inhaler, and I don't have to worry about the jittery feeling I used to get after using the albuterol. After a few months I realized I could take Advair only once a day, instead of twice, and still have great benefit from it. I take it at night, and brush my teeth immediately afterwards, so I haven't had any mouth troubles. I am so grateful for this medication, and I rave about it to my Dr. every time I see him.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I wish it was a miracle drug for me, too! I've been on it since it came out, years and years. I'm at the full dose, but unforunately have to be on prednisone, a prescriptive decongestant (I can't remember the name off hand), nebulizer treatments 1-4x a day, albuterol (4-5 puffs a day), singulair, and zyrtec D as well.

I will say that if I don't take it that particular day, I do have more problems. I can't go without any of my meds. There was at time in which all I needed was the Advair with Albuterol for emergencies but that's not the case anymore =(

I've never have noticeable side effects but I am on so many things that I am not sure I could pinpoint it =) I have never had any oral issues, either.

I hope it works well for you!