Advair HFA and asthma attacks

I was on Advair for a few months back in about 2005. I was taking it for asthma. I noticed after about a month of using it that I would have these severe asthma attacks if I came in contact with an irritant. Instead of minor coughing if I was near someone smoking my lungs would practically slam shut and I could not get any air. These were far more reactive and severe than I have had on any other meds or none at all. I stopped taking it, switched back to Flovent and the problem went away. A few months later the FDA announced the black box warning for Advair and that this was a possible severe side effect. They need to be more up front with patients about this risk so they can decide if it is worth using, I wasn't given that option.

I have been on advair for 2 years and am starting to experience headaches that last the entire day. It helps with my breathing difficulties and I am unsure if I can just stop taking the medication. Its really difficult for me right now and I'm starting to feel depressed about it. I'm not sure how I'll get through this.

Hey all. I have had asthmatic bronchitis for about 6 weeks now and I have never had asthma or bronchitis before. It started off as a normal flu for 3 days with fever. Then when the flu went away, I started having trouble breathing and shortness of breath. I never had that before. The doctor told me it was bronchitis. All tests were fine. I was taking azithromycin (took 3 paks of them) and that was the only thing that made me feel normal, but it did not get rid of the infection. Then I was placed on cipro and steroids. Now I'm not on any antibiotics. I'm taking steroids and just started the advair inhaler. I was having asthma attacks and everything. Very scary. I was just wondering how long it took you to get over it and what you did to get over it. I have been to so many doctors and had so many tests done. It's affecting my life. I won't leave the house due to fear of having another asthma attack. I just hope I feel normal again soon, please.

I started taking Advair a few years ago because my doctor suggested it. I noticed after taking for a bit and then stiopping, I would get ill and have bronchitis. After a few episodes of this, I started taking it regularly. I was supposed to be taking it 2x a day but only took it at night. After about a few months of regualry taking it at night, I forgot to take it one evening and woke up in the middle of the night with the worst attack ever. I started testing this with on and off uses of the advair to see what the relationship was and one for one, if I did not take the medication, I had an attack. I believe that the regular use of Advair caused my body to become dependant on it. I wish I had never taken it in the first place. I am now having asthma attacks 1 to 2 times a day and before Advair, once every 3 months or so.

Hi - I was on advair for a couple of weeks after a horrible bout of asthmatic bronchitis. I now have this constant pressure under my rib cage that will not go away. I was wondering if any one else has experienced this while on or after stopping advair. Thanks and happy holidays!

My daughter was on Advair, Singulair, and Zyrtec to control her severe asthma and allergies. We were so thankful that these medications kept her from having to be hospitalized 2-3 times a year for uncontrollable asthma attacks. About six months after she began taking these medications she began to have headaches, she had difficulty sleeping, she was irritable, she had stomach pains, leg cramps,and eventually depression and social withdrawal. She went from an outgoing and happy teenager to a bitter and angry person. In 2003 she committed suicide. Six months after her death reports started to surface about the link between singulair and depression and suicide. Perhaps for my daughter it was a combination of the three drugs. Whatever you do be cautious and do your research before taking any allergy or asthma medication. Go to the Singulair website and you will be astounded by what you read. Please try to get the word out about these medications.

I have taken 100/50 Advair off and on for several years and hadn't noticed any problems. Three weeks ago I was switched to 250/50 strength Advair following a bad cold which I believe had become bronchitis but my NEW doctor believed was an asthma attack. I don't have asthma "attacks". I just have asthma which is always under control except for when I am exposed to smoke. Even then it isn't that bad. I just use a puff or two on my inhaler and I am good to go. So, I don't think I even needed to be put on the 250/50 strength! Right away, even with careful rinsing, I started to develop a sore throat. I had a constant cough, had to constantly clear my throat to try to speak and it hurt to talk. Within two weeks, besides the throat and congestion problems, I felt miserable as if I had a severe case of influenza: major headache, sinus and teeth pain, joint pains, severe fatigue, chills, burning eyes and blurry vision. I also developed an itchy red rash on my buttock and felt as though I was beginning to get a UTI. Because I felt so lousy, I told myself I didn't have to take the Advair which I knew would just make my throat feel worse. So, I went a whole weekend without the Advair and I started to feel better. Then on Monday morning, I took the Advair (which immediately made my throat hurt) and later went to see the new doctor in the afternoon. (We didn't discuss Advair because I hadn't made the connection and, obviously, he didn't either.) The doctor said I was negative for a UTI and thought my rash was cellulitis. He prescribed an oral antibiotic. I haven't taken any Advair since Monday a.m. because I read about its side effects on the Internet on Monday evening. My throat feels better. It is so good not to be constantly coughing and clearing my throat! The rash didn't respond to the antibiotic, but it did respond to the anti-yeast infection skin cream I decided to use on it. Unfortunately, the antibiotics DID give me a vaginal yeast infection and now I am also treating that! I am wondering if there is a connection between my skin yeast infection and the 250/50 Advair or if Advair just causes thrush (a mouth yeast infection)? Also, my eyes still burn and I still get blurry vision. Could I have a yeast infection in my eyes? I'm wondering because I have read on the Internet that steroids--just like antibiotics--can cause yeast infections. If so, then maybe thrush is not the only type of yeast infection that 250/50 Advair could cause?

I had been taking Advair 500/50 for several years, however, most of that time I only took it once a day (not the recommended 2X). My diagnosis is near fatal asthma/COPD. About a year and a half ago I began taking Spiriva in addition. I am stable, but with a low pulmonary function for the past year (peak flow remains around 200). I see an acupuncturist/herbalist and an currently trying Wei Labs products: Soup A and LC Balancer, that are supposed to reverse lung damage. I recently visited a new, conventional, pulmonary specialist who wanted me to retry Advair at its recommended dosage, which I did. I noticed a nagging headache (at my forehead), a tendency to be agitated very easily, and a diminished peak flow. His response was to continue and add another medication (Singulair, which I have tried years ago with no good result). I stopped the Advair (though I am continuing on the Spiriva, until I see more results from the herbs). Also, I am a thin person who exercises all the time, and I had noticed that my weight was about 10 lbs more than I would like it to be (this had been the case for a couple of years). I have yet to see if that will drop, I have only been off for a couple of days. Additionally, I have had the experience with conventional steroid sinus meds over the years; the meds would stop working after a month or two and I would end up with worse congestion. I ultimately had a surgery to clear polyps and extra tissue, and have been breathing well through my nose since 2004 without meds. I feel I need to get off the conventional meds for the asthma too, on them I appear to be in a slow decline.

I've had a case of Asthmatic Bronchitis for the last two months. Doctor prescribed the Z-pack (2 Rounds) and a ProAir inhaler (Albuterol). After 1 month of this I felt better...but still not 100%.

Then he gave me the wretched Advair. I took one puff...and 15 minutes later was in the emergency room. I completely couldn't breathe...lost all color in my face...heart was racing...nervousness...tremors...chills...etc. I took a couple puffs off the Albuterol and that helped open the airways so the ambulance ride wasn't necessary. But the ER visit was still necessary.

They gave me a nebulizer treatment and 60mg of Prednisone and after an about 2 hours I was released. Now today...exactly 12 hours later I have the dry mouth, hoarseness, and leg cramps others have mentioned. Hoping this will clear up soon...I mean common I only took 1 puff!

Long and short...stay away from this medication at all costs! Something must be wrong if so many people are having these types of effects.

I'm a 36 year old triathlete. I started taking Advair 3-4 years ago. I noticed immedialty that my wheezing stopped. For this reason, I thought the medicane worked well. I also noticed that heavy excersion activities became a little harder. Initially I thought it was allergies. I had less wind. I kept taking Advair because it stolpped the wheezing. 3 months ago I changed my dose from 100 to 250. My lungs started feeling heavier and it was harder for me to breath. I decided to stop taking Advair 3 days ago. I'd have headaches once in a while with Advair but I never noticed any other problems. I've stopped taking Advair for 3 days now. I feel like I can take deep breaths again. I also feel like I'm going through a withdrawal. I've had an intense headache. I'm sure it will go away. The big test will be over the next week. I'll see how I feel when I'm training. I'm not sure if my Asthma is bad enough to take medicane but I'll see. I'll keep Albueteral close by just in case. I'll post again in 1-2 weeks.

Jerilynb, yes I noticed more facial hair with Advair. I have since stopped Advair about a week ago because of the varied side effects.. hoarse voice, increased asthma attacks in the last couple years and possible depression. I've used it since around the the time it came to market and now I regret that.

Hi! I am so happy that I found this website. I was on Advair 500 for over a year and had almost every side effect listed here. After reading the postings, I went to the doctor and demanded that he put me on another asthma medicine. He put me on Asmanex and I've been feeling absolutely wonderful for the past 3 months. Coming off the Advair was scary for me. I had tingling lips, fingers, and skin on my back for almost a week. I also had to use my albuterol every 4 hours during the same week. But other than that my list of symptoms quickly disappeared. Since then, I've only had to use my albuterol a handful of times, mainly on a humid day or when working in my basement or brushing my dogs. I had experienced so many side effects while on Advair that I started to feel depressed. When I asked my doctor's about the side effects, they told me that they weren't from my medications. Advair had caused me to have a constant cough, numerous episodes of bronchitis, hoarseness almost one week every month, severe asthma attacks, constant thrush and other throat infections. I also had my blood pressure up 20-30 points on average, which caused me to constantly feel anxious. I was extremely moody and snapped at my kids and husband very easily. I had trouble sleeping and night sweats. Since I couldn't sleep I was constantly tired. One of the worse effects was joint pain and muscle cramps. My hands and feet would cramp up like I had severe arthritis. Sometimes I cramped so bad that couldn't hold a fork or toothbrush. My legs would cramp so badly it would make me cry. My back ached and I got severe stomach cramps. I had horrible menstrual cycles which lasted for over a week. My elbows hurt so bad that I couldn't carry a bag through the mall. I also lost all interest in sexual relations. I also had jitters. My hands would tremble even when I wasn't holding anything. I also lost my appetite. Food didn't taste or smell the same so it didn't appeal to me. I had to force myself to eat. To say the least, I felt like I was falling apart. Within a few days of going off of the Advair I felt like a new person. I was pleasant to be around and had hope for the future. I am feeling great. My husband and kids are so happy to have the real me back. I strongly encourage everyone to try Asmanex and go off Advair. It's really made a difference in my life.

I have been on advair for about 3 years. My two biggest problems are weight gain...lots! And the constant thick mucus in the back of my throat and in my lungs. I have never cleared my throat so much in my life. Even when I was just on singulair. Yes, my asthma is really under control, but at what future cost? I understand that having asthma attacks can damage lung function for sometimes as much as a year, if the attack is bad enough, but I am tired of how I look and my constant throat clearing and coughing. My father is also on Advair for his asthma, and he is the same way.

I started taking advair since this fall. i was really sick with cheat cold, sore throat, stuffy nose the works. I did not have the flu shot so naturally, having asthma, my symptoms were worse. I had about 6 asthma attacks before taking Advair 250/50. I sent to an asthma doctor nhe recommended this to me. Yes it helped. I still had about 3 asthma attacks while i was sick.

What i noticed was voice loss: squeaky voice, straining. I just thought it was me being sick. when i got better i noticed my breathing more. It takes me so long to eat or drink everything! It feels like there is pressure on my chest or the need to burp in order for me to feel better. I continue eating and it starts again. I didnt understand it at first but now i do. It has to be advair becuase i never elt like i had to burp so bad and stop doing my normal tasks.

I try to take Advair 1 everyday instead of twice a day. Today my sibling seen on the news that Advair is causing more deaths then helping asthmatics.

SO SHOULD I STOP TAKING IT ALTOGETHER? OR SWITCH TO SOMETHING ELSE? IF SO WHAT?

I have always been active April of this year I became short of breathe and was taken to the hospital ,the Dr said I had asthma.They put me on ADVAIR 250/50, they found out I have a staff infection in my trachea and bronchial tubes so I have been on anibotics and Advair,as of today I feel awful I can not take a deep breathe without a struggle ,I was watching Fox News this AM and it came across the screen about pulling Advair of the market or putting warnings on the label that Advair can cause bad asthma attacks and possible death!!!! I ache all over not able to breathe and barely go up steps. Before this I was caring for my grandchildren a 4 yr old and 5 yr old lived with us for 2 years,I CAN NO LONGER CARE FOR THEM!!! Iam only 59 yrs young. THROWING ADVAIR AWAY!! I WASNT MY LIFE BACK!!! JES

i just upped my dosage to 250/50 and my asthma attacks have become worse and more frequent...what could that mean?

I have had major asthma problems for years - usually needing prednisone 3 or 4 times a year, using albuterol inhaler around the clock. I have been using Advair for about 2 months now and I have had absolutely no asthma attacks at all. I can exercise and feel like a normal person for the first time in years. I have had several side effects that are problematic - one of them being dizziness, scratchy thoat and chronic sinus congestion. What is worse, debilitating asthma or a chronic sinus infection? I have decided breathing is better than anything so I will stay on it.

Some of you who have had bad asthma prior to taking Advair and have now gone off - - -could you please post how you weaned yourself off and if you had serious asthma attacks going off of it? Also, what are you on now? I am desperate to be rid of all the debilitating bone and joint effects I am suffering, but am afraid of going back to struggling to breathe on a daily basis. A lot of the people who have posted were given Advair for a cold, or bronchitis. I would like to hear from the serious asthmatics and what they are doing post Advair. Thanks.

Advair works great for me! It has significantly reduced my dependence on a rescue inhaler. Like the other said, I don't wake up in the middle of the night anymore with asthma attacks. However, I've been noticing that I've been insanely hungry lately. It's ok though - I'd rather be able to breath. I just have to be vigilant when it comes to food and exercise.

I have been on Advair 100/50 for over 2-1/2 years and it's the best thing I've ever taken. It increased my lung capacity 33.5% and I do not wake up at night with asthma attacks. I don't have to depend on my Albuterol for rescue all the time either. I took Azmacourt 4 times a day prior and constantly had shortness of breath and asthma issues. I've been very fortunate on Advair! I have not had insomnia, difficulty sleeping, no musle weakness, no heartburn, and no rashes. I have had slight weight gain, and managed to get it off. I have constant allergies and allergic rhinitis so I do get occasional headaches. I can actually take a deep breath and not cough my head off. I can actually run and workout now! I do get dry mouth but that's easy enough to deal overcome. I may be an exception but it's a blessing for me! I take Allegra too and it is the best thing I've taken too. Seldane is better but they took it off the market. So I guess it works for some! Thanks.

Glad I found this site. I've had perhaps a handful of serious asthma attacks in the last 15 years. However, at age 49, I've smoked since I was 11. Nov 24th, was told I probably have moderate emphysema. No more smoking for me. Was put on Advair 3 weeks prior when they thought I was only asthmatic. I've experienced hoarsness, and inability to sing, and I suspect some weight gain (already).

Question: Are there any side effects from stopping Advair? I wan't to quit right away.

Thanks

Started taking Advair this past May. Initially I was on the Advair 500, then was lowered down to the 250 about a month later. The Advair definitely seemed to help prevent asthma attacks. For the first time in years I was able to sleep through the night without having to use any sort of medication (had been using Primatine Mist every night, then was prescribed Albuterol in May). Then in early June I began to notice that I was my voice was constantly hoarse and that I was always having some throat irritation. Got to the point where the hoarseness was so severe that I was unable to speak for several days. Even dropping down to the Advair 250 dosage has failed to prevent the constant hoarseness. Have now stopped taking the Advair. Last used my Advair diskus two weeks ago and will never use it again, based on some of the reports I'm reading on here. Also have been getting strange, red, acne-like bumps on my upper arms for the past month and suspect it may be Advair-related.