Advair HFA and steroid

I was a 2:42 marathoner. I used a synthetic varnish containing isocyanates, pentanedione, organic solvents, in one 7-hour session; the company-recommended respirator did not in fact prevent transmission: Severe chemically- induced asthma, plus neuropathy, plus, plus.

I've used Advair 500/50 for six years. There have been many diverse effects from the chemical exposure; I'd not questioned any being Advair side effects. But the raised blood pressure was not initial, and certainly not a priori. Diminished hearing, diminished eyesight, anxiety. Again, not to lump in, but these questions are new for me. But the point I'd like to bring before this group is this: In August I was diagnosed with ehlichiosis , and was prescribed 28 days on doxycycline. They recommend eliminating many possible antagonists to the doxycycline. My respiratory capacity had been continually diminishing. My ongoing physician said this was to be expected and recommended only the next more powerful steroid. Not a good solution. Before all this I was strong; repaired myself. In the absence of constructive answers, wondering if the Advair was weakening me, making me dependent, I quit the Advair as well on beginning the doxycycline. Today is eleven days post-doxycycline. Eight days ago there began with increasing severity, a terrible wracking deep cough producing dark yellow mucus. Painful. No fever. Grevious throat from the wracking, but I question whether this is a cold or infection. It's just in my lungs. Maybe it's as though I've thrown off an epithelial coating. These past two days the quantity of deep yellow mucus is not as ready, but the wracking and coughing is more severe. And my lung capacity, my respiratory capacity, is frighteningly diminished. Until these past two days I'd considered this an infection, especially post-doxy. But it doesn't feel like an infection. And I'm scared. Is this because I quit the Advair abruptly after long regular use? Have any of you had a similar experience. Can you discuss the effects of abruptly discontinuing Advair. Have you stayed off it. What's happened to your respiratory capacity. Have you any professional studies, trials or experience to recommend. Thanks.

ive taken advair for 3 years,ive had a few side effects including: weight gain, pains in my leg, and tiredness. i dont know if these are from the advair or not. i never had these issues before taking it. i really dont know what to do. if im not on advair i have a hard time breathing and have chest pains. Does breathing better out weigh the side effects that it causes??? i have problems with inflamation and advair seems to work well with that aspect. Is there natural alternatives? HELP!!!

man im only 17 and ive had this awwwwfffuuullll cough twice a year for like 3 years now and it stays for a month. today my doctor gave me advair again...ive had it before in the past but i had forgotton all about it. i only took one dose of it when i got it..and man i just remember why i hated advair so much. i feel like i am on speed. im shaking and twiching and cant relax my body it feels like i just took an illegal drug! my head hurts and i can barely sit still. my dad things im just trippin but im not i kno its that advair. i am so happy that i found this site. lets me kno that im not going crazy. does anyone else get the case of the shakes due to advair?!!?

I am a 71 year old man with COPD (emphysema) My pulmonologist has prescribed Spiriva and Advair. I have taken Advair for over three years and Spiriva for about 18 months. Lately, I have experience a rapid heart beat (sometimes 138 bpm), problems with hoarseness, thick mucus in the throat, weight gain including an unpleasant, distended belly after eating, leg cramps at night, heartburn, dizziness and slow stream urination. I've been checked for prostate problems, the results of which were normal. My heart has always been healthy but lately with the rapid heartbeat, I've become very concerned. I am going to stop taking the Advair and see what the results are. The Spiriva seems to be doing a good job for me and I will continue with it since it is not a steroid.

I have been taking Advair for 6 months and also received a set of precautions from my doctor as well. The most important thing he said was to rinse your mouth and gargle with WARM water NOT cold water several times after your dose. That will prevent the hoarseness many people experience.The medication has a steroid component and is very effective treating your lung inflamation. Mouth rinsing keeps this from entering other areas of your body. When you take a drug, there is always some tradeoff. I believe for me that whatever side effects I have are minor compared to the benefit of being able to breathe freely again. I have absolutely no hoarseness , but have some itchiness but I had that before I took this drug. If you follow the directions I believe this drug can work for you.

I have been on Advair for a total of about 5 months. I have experienced almost all of the various side effects that others have listed. I am just now realizing it was not in my head. I had the heavy chest feeling with pain that radiated into my left shoulder. My voice would give out before finishing a sentence and as someone else has already mentioned, it feels like something is stuck in my throat. I was exhausted and experienced pain in my neck and back. In spite of having excellent eye vision all my life I noticed I wasn't able to see clearly. Finally, I too had the ear thing going on. I would wake up in the middle of the night with severe pain in the ear I was sleeping on.

About one week ago I visited a pulmonary doctor. After a careful evaluation of my asthma, he promptly took me off the Advair. He prescribed a new medication that has worked wonderfully. It is NOT a steroid. In addition to this, I have noticed the side effects of Advair have completely vanished with the exception of my throat still feeling like something is stuck inside it. Although that too has gotten considerably better. This drug scares me! I don't recommend taking it without careful consideration. There are much better choices available!

All,
I've been taking Advair for 1 year. I'm on the smallest dose version 100/50 which you have to take twice a day. After a month of taking it, I starting to experience loss of voice and a skin fungus (discolorations patches) on my back and chest.

Advair pushes a steroid into your lungs to relax the muscles. After futher research, I discovered that the steriods actually surpress your immune system, leaving you more exposed to ailments that might be applicable to your body type, living environment and family history.

So, I started taking about 3000 mg of Vitamin C everyday. 1000 at breakfast, 1000 at lunch, 1000 before I go to bed.

It has helped with the skin fungus other physical ailments that otherwise, without a strong immune system, I would be suspectible to.

As for the loss of voice, I got off the advair for 1 week. My voice completely came back. Then decided to only take the Advair once a day, and only at night (I know you are not supposed to do that as per the prescription requirements, but I did it anyway). Typically when you get horse naturally, it takes sleeping over night (since your are not talking) to gradually recover your voice. So, I only take the advair a night, so any damage it would cost, my voice could recover too overnight, versus, taking it in the morning, and having to go to work, where I have to talk alot in my job.

I recommend you increase you Vitamin C intake, and do some research on the benefits of Magnesium supplement and it's positive effect in managing Asthma.

As always, remember to consult with your doctor about the supplements you want to take BEFORE you take them.

Good luck to all.

I HAVE BEEN ON ADVAIR FOR 5 YEARS STRAIGHT. I HAVE HAD ASTHMA SINCE I WAS 17, DURING THESE 5 YEARS OF USING ADVAIR I HAVE GAINED 65 LBS AND HAVE HAD CHRONIC BRONCHITIS AND CONSTANT PHLEGM THAT NEVER GOES AWAY. I HAVE WHAT THEY CALL A "MOON FACE" AND ALL THE WEIGHT I HAVE GAINED IS AROUND THE MID SECTION. I AM ALWAYS TIRED, SO TIRED I CAN'T EVEN PLAY WITH MY CHILDREN. THIS IS THE FINAL STRAW! I AM ADVAIR FREE STARTING TODAY. I TRULEY BELIEVE IT HAS MADE MY ASTHMA WORSE THAN EVER, I HAVE A CONSTANT COUGH AND THE PHLEGM IS ALWAYS THERE NO MATTER WHAT I TAKE FOR IT AND BELIEVE ME, I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING TRYING TO RULE OUT THE ADVAIR AS BEING THE CAUSE OF MY SIDE AFFECTS. I DON'T CARE WHAT ANY PULMONOLOGIST SAYS ABOUT IT BEING TOO LOW OF A STEROID TO CAUSE ALL OF THESE SYMPTOMS. I KNOW WITHOUT A DOUBT IT IS THE ADVAIR. IF YOU USE ADVAIR NOW, MY ADVISE TO YOU IS TO GET OFF OF IT A.S.A.P. BEST OF LUCK.

No side effect that I've noted. For me, works probably twice as well as any of the others, including Singular, Pulmicort, etc. (that bronchodilator in addition to the steroid is brilliant!) I have some tiredness, stuffiness, etc. off and on, but attribute that much more to the underlying allergies, asthma, etc. rather than the medication - certainly better on the meds than without. Does wonders for my actual breathing.

I have been on Advair for almost 2 months and have gained 7 pounds. My Albuterol wasn't controlling my asthma so therefore, I was prescribed Advair. Since it is a type of steroid I was wondering if this was the reason for the weight gain. It seemed as if the weight gain started almost immediately after given the prescription. I have noticed alot of hypertension. My asthma is still not under control so I am going to go off Advair and see what happens. Of course, I will keep my doctor informed and seek alternate medications. I

I've been on it for about 4 months. It does seem to help but I've had problems with steriods (prednisone) taken as a result of colitis.
In the case of Advair I get the hoarse voice and sleeplessness.
I'm also concerned about the long term use of this drug on my lungs. It is a steroid. I have diffuctly in breathing, especially taking a deep breath.
Does anyone know of any studies on how safe Advair is for your lungs or the rest of your body.We have had very bad experiences with Steroids.

my 17 year old son needed a hip replacement as a result of steroids (not Advair) this summer.
BEWARE OF STEROIDS.
lets find out about Advair.
Does it have any adverse steroid Affects??
please let me know.

Thank you

Peter W
******

My daughter is 8 years old and has been on Advair since she was 4 years old. In those 4 years she gone from a normal, healthy weight child to significantly overweight. When I discussed this with her Pulmonologist he said that there wasn't enough steroid in the Adviar to cause this. And to put this in perspective she has put on 30 lbs in just one year. After reading some of the entries I was relieved to find out that she is not alone. As of today I have taken her off the Advair. Thankfully she has the type of asthma that can be handled in another way. I just wish I had found this website earlier.

My husband started using Advair 8 months ago for mild asthma symptoms. He was taking the largest dose for the first month, and has been tapered down to the smallest dose twice a day now. It has really helped him breathe easier, but he has gained 40 lbs since he started, and is continuing to gain about 4-5 lbs each month. He has been trying to watch what he eats, but he just keeps gaining weight. I've talked to his doctors about it, they say that there is not enough steroid in Advair to be causing this, but I find this hard to believe. He has never had a problem with his weight before.

My daughter is 8 years old. She has been on Advair for about three years (maybe four) and I have noticed over the years that she seems very irritable. This symptom is getting worse as time goes on, and I think it will develop into depression if I don't do something soon. Another symptom is weight gain. When my daughter started Advair she was at a normal weight for her age and had a normal appetite (her father and I are both normal weight). Now she is significantly overweight and never seems full. She is always saying" I'm still hungry". I have discussed these problems with her Pediatrician and he tells me not to worry, and that there is not enough steroid in Advair to cause the problems that I am concerned about. I trust her DR. but I am worried that he is ignoring significant problems. Has anyone else had these types of side effects or am I indeed the overimaginative mother that the Dr. thinks I am?

I am 31 years old and have been on Advair for atleast 5 years and have experienced a 25 lb weight gain despite all attempts at losing it, bruising, joint aches and pains, fatigue, and "lung pain." I have made the decision to wean myself off of it at this time especially because I plan on becoming pregnant in the near future. I need to search for alternative medications, preferrably not a steroid. Any ideas?? Thanks, Staci

I started Singular a month ago and added Advair 250 to it 2 weeks ago, and stopped using the Singular. I noticed slight weight gain with the Singular and rapid weight gain with the Advair, overall 10 lbs in a month. I've maintained the same weight for many years, and am a fitness instructor, nothing else had changed in my lifestyle. I've also noticed muscle heaviness, and muscle soreness, chest heaviness when climbing stairs, extreme nervousness, anxiety, and sore, sore throat. After 13 days I quit the Advair entirely. I will pursue more conservative methods of controlling my asthma. I'm not convinced these steroid concoctions are the way to go.

I have been on Advair for about 3 years now and the drug works well in controlling my asthma. But I have noticed in the 3 years I have gained 20 pounds and I am unable to lose the weight. I am also on Singulair and my doctor said it does not contain the steroid that Advair has. I was bumped up from the 100 to the 250 and I can really see the weight gain much more. I am going to see if there is something else I can take that does not make me gain weight.

I am sad and angry. I am a singer. Advair was prescribed for me about 7 months ago because of slight emphysems. I had already quite smoking (It's now almost 11 months since I've smoed. I was afraid of Adviar because it is a steroid, and i very early noticed some hoarseness but was eassured by my doctor, so i continued. Actually, I used it only about half of the time because of my fear. After about 7 months, I developed significant hoarseness. Now a ENT and my GP have both expressed the opinion that it is the Advair that casued the problem. I always rinsed my mouth and my throat and also gargled after using the Adviar, but it didn't work. I have not taken the medicine since Jan. 23, and there is some improvement. My GP says it might take 2 months. My breathing went from the 58 th to the 75th percentile after 6 months of not smoking. I also do a lot of cariovascular exercise, so i think i'll be all right without the medicatiion. What I want is HEALING for my VOICE. Do you know of anything i can do?

Been on Advair for 10 months, and have gained 20 lbs since then!! Also experience sharp head pains, foot & leg cramps, short term memory loss, irritability and mood swings, increased menstrual flow, slow healing of wounds, etc. Main concern is rapid weight gain! I went to my dr today to discuss...she claims to be unaware of any of these side effects being related to Advair....she can't imagine weight gain as Advair is a powder that goes into just the lungs. My mid section is where I have gained mostly. After reading all the boards on different websites, I am surprised to see how many are experiencing the same side effects with Advair, & I am convinced that it is the cause. I asked dr to prescribe something else, & she did...asmanex & serevent....haven't tried it yet...but I now read that asmanex is also linked to weight gain. I feel so frustrated that I can't rely on my dr for this, & feel like I have to fiure it all out on my own. I'm scared to continue with these meds but I need something to keep my mild asthma under control....everyday. Can anyone recommend anything to me? Should I switch to non-steroid? Any feedback on Singulaire somethin similar? Any information will be helpful. Thanks!

Mona

I have been using Advair off and on for the last couple years. Each time i have gone on it i have gained weight and i have been unable to lose it. I had no idea there was any correlation, untill someone mentioned to me how they had gained a lot of weight by using prednisone, which is also a steroid used to treat asthma. It all makes sense to me know. Does anybody know of a asthma preventitive treatment medication that does not cause wieght gain.

What to do about ADVAIR.....

I was introduced to Advair 8/02 and like the posts here I have experienced most of all the side effects.Complained to my Pulmonary Doctor and was told that there are no known side effects....Ha

Last Oct (04) I weaned myself off Advair 250/50 and felt terrific-for about 2 months and then I became very weak and stepped up on my Combivent puffs.Had to use 02 24/7 instead of only at night and excertion.Come April when I saw the doctor he said lucky I saw him that day as next week I would have seen him in the hospital. I did agree with him so I went back on Advair. I only take it in the morning.I don't feel I have any nightime problems,so for me one dose is ok. It does help but I would prefer to be on a drug that has no steroid in it..Betwixed & Between..

Lenore in Gloucester

I had my first trip to the ER for an asthma attack. I was started on Advair only three days ago. Being extremely healthy, except for the asthma, and not taking any medications except for the Albuterol, I was a little concerned about the side effects of the steroid in Advair, especially since I am having difficulty sleeping after only a couple of days of it. Glad I found this site. I will stop using Advair. Too bad, in a way, since it did stop my asthma symptoms and I actually felt normal for a coule of days, but I don't want to experience irreversible systemic damage. I'll guess just put up with using lots of Albuterol during the winter. Thanks to all of you for the posts,

Mistake in entry saying 'occaisional use of Salmeterol reliever'- potentially fatal to use Salmeterol this way- meant to say ' salBUTAmol reliever'. Xinafoate and steroid combination far worse than the asthma on its own.

hi! I switched from pulmacort to advair a yr or so ago. I have the fat belly too. I have also been treated for plantar facia (the pain in the bottom of the feet). The feet docs treated me and say that the problem isnt exactly the same. My feet lock up when I stretch too. I had the same problem with singular.

I did not have any side effects with pulmacort. I called this morning to be switched back to pulmacort. I have to be on some steroid to breath. I sure hope my belly goes down and my feet stop hurting. This just is aweful!!!!

To top it off, I am in the boat with several of u guys. I have several other goofy symptoms. uck. However, the main thing I wanted to say is that if you need meds for asthma, you might try pulmacort. It is the same type of med. It doesnt have the broncial dialator (sp) in it. Advair is two meds stuck together.

My doc is switching me. They did laugh at me when I told them my symptoms but are still switching because I asked them to. They are nice ppl. I have to breath. :)

How was this poison ever approved for long term? My body has all the side effects of a steroid after using it two years. Thank goodness for this site....I'm off advair and now am starting to feel like myself, albeit with joint pain.

Thank you for this site! I didn't want to take Advair when it was prescribed for me nearly two weeks ago. Not because I knew of the side-effects, but because with my family's history of cancer and heart disease, I tend to be very cautious with any type of steroid. However, I was having a bad cold combined with asthma (which I'm not normally prone to) and trouble breathing, and for two weeks, it seemed a compromise.

When I first started taking it, I noticed the rapid heartbeat, which has since lessened. However, I've noticed that my vision is now blurry, and has been such for the last few days. My cough, which was improving, is back, and now I feel nearly as short of breath as I did before starting the meds. As a matter of fact, last night, I had to sleep sitting up, my breathing was so bad.

This morning, I've noticed pain in the joints of my fingers, and there has been some weight gain (or at least abdominal swelling).

That's it for me, after reading this site. The Advair goes in the trash, and I go back to treating myself holisticly.

I meant to puit this in my earlier post but had to leave, so here is a continuation... My eyes were also becoming involved. I was getting *blurred vision*. I suggested to my doctors that the Advair was causing my *labored breathing* but they both poo-pooed the idea. So, being the trusted soul that I am, I went on taking the Advair, continuing to suffer, when I wasn't having trouble breathing before I started taking it. The Advair dosage was raised twice to the full dosage. After six months of treaments and steroids that weren't helping, I gave up and took matters into my own hands and simply stopped taking it. I called my family doctor and told him I was doing so and he agreed. The symptoms eased up within a week. He told me that some patients can't tolerate Advair. There are alternatives, but please, I urge you to be careful as some of them are similar to Advair. I'm not sure if it was the kind of steroid or the fact that the combined medication is in powdered form that triggered my side effects.

There is also a discussion board here where everyone can talk to each other.

I wish you well.

I had been on advair since it came on the market. I have suffered from increased heart rate and increased blood pressure. I complained in Nov. to doctor who proceeded to decreae the dose. I continued to have the same symptoms and in addition was having bouts of tachycardia and possibly skipped beats that were very disturbing. I again went and this time was told that by decreasing the dose that it was only the steroid and that the salmeterol was the same in all. Duh, why did he decrease the dose when it had no affect on the salmeterol. Now he decided to stop it altogether. My heart rate is back in a normal range and my blood pressure has come down to a very good reading. I do not have the the increased heart rate. However what I am experiencing is an increase in pain due to arthritis in my joints. i am wondering if this is because I have stopped the advair and the steroid that is in it. Has anyone else had that reaction after long time use of advair and then stopping it.