fluticasone / salmeterol

Don't use AirDuo (​​fluticasone / salmeterol) if you're experiencing an asthma attack because this medication won't provide immediate relief. Use a rescue inhaler, such as albuterol (Ventolin HFA), if you're having trouble breathing.

AirDuo (​​fluticasone / salmeterol) includes a steroid medication (fluticasone). When inhaled, it can cause a fungal infection in your mouth and throat called thrush. To lower your risk for thrush, rinse your mouth with water and spit after each inhalation of AirDuo (​​fluticasone / salmeterol). If you develop thrush, your provider might prescribe you a medication to treat this condition and ask you to temporarily stop using AirDuo (​​fluticasone / salmeterol). Let your provider know if you notice symptoms of thrush, such as white patches in your mouth, cotton-like feeling in your mouth, pain while eating or swallowing, or loss of taste.

Inhaled medications, including AirDuo (​​fluticasone / salmeterol), can sometimes cause a muscle spasm in your lungs. This can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort. If you have a hard time breathing after inhaling AirDuo (​​fluticasone / salmeterol), use your rescue inhaler and get medical attention right away.

Like all corticosteroid-containing medications, AirDuo (​​fluticasone / salmeterol) can weaken your immune system and raise your risk for infections, including upper respiratory infections and pneumonia. Your risk for infections is higher if you're also taking other medications that also weaken your immune system. If you're currently being treated for a serious infection, such as tuberculosis, let your provider know. They might need to consider a different medication for your condition until you get better. Let your provider know right away if you have symptoms of infections, such as fever, chills, body aches.

Use AirDuo (​​fluticasone / salmeterol) only as directed. Don't use more than the maximum number of inhalations each day. Using more doses of AirDuo (​​fluticasone / salmeterol) than recommended can cause more steroid to be absorbed into the body and you might experience symptoms such as higher blood sugar or blood pressure.

Children who use inhaled steroids, like AirDuo (​​fluticasone / salmeterol), might experience a delay in growth. To lower the risk of growth problems, your child's provider will only prescribe the lowest dose needed to help their condition. The provider will check your child's growth regularly while they're receiving this medication. If you're concerned about how AirDuo (​​fluticasone / salmeterol) might affect your child's growth, discuss with your child's provider to see if this medication is right for them.

Though rare, people using inhaled steroids over a long period of time have reported having higher pressure in the eyes, glaucoma, and cataracts. Talk to your eye provider before using AirDuo (​​fluticasone / salmeterol) if you have glaucoma or cataracts because they might ask you to come in more often for eye exams. Also speak with them if you notice any changes to your vision while using the medication.

The salmeterol in Airduo might cause changes in your blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm. But these side effects are typically unlikely to happen if you're taking the recommended dose of AirDuo (​​fluticasone / salmeterol). Your provider might ask you to regularly check your blood pressure and heart rate at home if you have high blood pressure or other heart problems. Don't use AirDuo (​​fluticasone / salmeterol) more often than recommended. If you find that you need to use AirDuo (​​fluticasone / salmeterol) more often, let your providers know so they can see if you need any changes to your treatment plan. Tell your provider if you have dizziness, fatigue, tremor, rapid heartbeat, or weakness after you use AirDuo (​​fluticasone / salmeterol).

AirDuo (​​fluticasone / salmeterol) can cause the potassium levels in your blood to drop too low. In most cases, this happens if you use more AirDuo (​​fluticasone / salmeterol) than recommended. Drops in blood potassium levels are typically mild and your levels should go back to usual with time. Sometimes, low potassium can cause tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, a racing heart, and a "pins and needles" feeling in your hands and feet. Tell your provider if you experience any of these symptoms while you're using AirDuo (​​fluticasone / salmeterol). Also let your provider know if you need to use AirDuo (​​fluticasone / salmeterol) more often than instructed. Your treatment plan might need to be adjusted to better control your symptoms.