Advair Risks

Overview

Advair, known generically as fluticasone propionate, is an inhaled corticosteroid used to treat bronchial inflammation and airway constriction. Advair treats asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, according to Advair.com. Advair is not recommended for use in emergency episodes of asthma or COPD. The Advair website notes that fluticasone propionate adversely affects patients with extreme milk protein sensitivities. Candida albicans infection, or thrush of the throat and mouth, is a common risk for Advair patients.

Increased Asthma Symptoms

A 2010 U.S. Food and Drug Administration report stated requirements for manufacturers to change drug labels for inhaled corticosteroid products including long-acting beta-agonists. The report noted a greater risk for increased asthma symptoms in children and adults. LABA medications developed for long-term use in treating asthma and COPD symptoms should never be used without a corticosteroid product, because LABA's relax muscles in the airways and lungs but do not reduce wheezing from inflammation or airway constrictions. In addition, the FDA recommends using the lowest dose of these salmeterol and fluticasone medications; FDA studies showed an increase in bronchial inflammation leading to hospitalization and death. Advair HFA and diskus are both approved by the FDA for cautioned use with asthma.

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Bone and Calcium Uptake Loss

Advair products affect calcium uptake and bone density. Inhaled glucorticoids can reduce new bone formation and restrict the amount of calcium absorbed in the body, notes the New Wellness website from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio State and Case Western Reserve. Glucorticoids found in fluticasone propionate and HFP are safer than oral steroids, but inhaled steroids are still absorbed by the body and cause some bone loss in larger doses. Cathy Benninger, director of the OSU Asthma Center Educational Program, states that the risk of bone loss can be minimized during inhaled steroid therapy by reducing smoking, performing weight-bearing exercise several times per week, limiting alcohol intake and including more calcium in the diet.

Thrush

Advair.com website indicates that Candida albicans infection, commonly known as thrush, of the mouth and throat is a risk with Advair as well as many other inhaled corticosteroids. This yeast infection causes soreness and pain when swallowing and eating. Inhaled steroids can cause an imbalance in good bacteria in the body, resulting in thrush symptoms. This risk may be reduced with diligent and thorough rinsing and gargling after inhaling the diskus or HFP.

Increases in blood sugar levels, Eye Lens Clouding

The University of Michigan Health Education website notes that use of corticosteroids such as Advair can cause weight gain and fluid retention, mood changes, increases in blood sugar levels, a hoarse voice, increased risk of bruising and cloudy areas in the lens of the eye. The website reports that use of inhaled corticosteroids with beta2-agonists increased lung function and quality of life and reduced numbers of hospitalization. They admit, however, that it is not yet known if these benefits outweigh the risks, and additional long-term research is needed.

Pneumonia

RxList.com notes that Advair use and systemic and local use of corticosteroids can suppress the immune system, leading to pneumonia and susceptibility to other infections. This medication is not recommended for patients with AIDS, lymphoma or compromised immune systems.