One of the devices used to take dry powder medicine is a Diskus inhaler. The Diskus inhaler is used with medicines such as Advair, Serevent and Flovent.

One of the active ingredients in ADVAIR DISKUS (fluticasone propionate), increase the risk of asthma-related death. Data from a large placebo-controlled US study that compared the safety of salmeterol (SEREVENT Inhalation Aerosol) or placebo added to usual asthma therapy showed an increase in asthma-related deaths in patients receiving salmeterol

Fluticasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Salmeterol is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing 

Therefore, when treating patients with asthma, physicians should only prescribe ADVAIR DISKUS (fluticasone propionate) for patients not adequately controlled on a long-term asthma control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid or whose disease severity clearly warrants initiation of treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and LABA. 

What are the precautions when taking fluticasone propionate (Advair Diskus)?

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to fluticasone or salmeterol; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as lactose, milk proteins), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: current/past infections (such as tuberculosis, herpes), high blood pressure, bone loss (osteoporosis), heart disease (such as chest pain, heart attack, irregular heartbeat), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, eye problems (such as cataracts, glaucoma), seizures, liver disease.

1. ADVAIR DISKUS should be used only if your healthcare provider decides that your asthma is not well controlled with a long-term asthma control medicine, such as inhaled corticosteroids.
2. When your asthma is well controlled, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking ADVAIR DISKUS. Your healthcare provider will decide if you can stop ADVAIR DISKUS without loss of asthma control. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a different asthma control medicine for you, such as an inhaled corticosteroid.