Fluticasone and salmeterol Inhalation, oral/nebulization and Spiriva Handihaler

• Generic Name: fluticasone / salmeterol
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Advair Diskus, Advair HFA, AirDuo RespiClick, Wixela Inhub

Fluticasone and salmeterol is a combination of two medicines that are used to help control the symptoms of asthma and improve breathing. It is used when a patient's asthma has not been controlled sufficiently on other asthma medicines, or when a patient's condition is so severe that more than one medicine is needed every day. Fluticasone and salmeterol will not relieve an asthma attack that has already started.

Fluticasone and salmeterol is also used to treat air flow blockage and reduce the worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Inhaled fluticasone belongs to the family of medicines known as corticosteroids or steroids (cortisone-like medicines). It works by preventing certain cells in the lungs and breathing passages from releasing substances that cause asthma symptoms.

Inhaled salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator. Bronchodilators are medicines that are breathed in through the mouth to open up the bronchial tubes (air passages) in the lungs. It relieves cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing by increasing the flow of air through the bronchial tubes.

Fluticasone and salmeterol must be used with a short-acting medicine (eg, albuterol) for an asthma attack or asthma symptoms that need attention right away.

Fluticasone and salmeterol is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: tiotropium
• Dosage Forms: inhalation powder, oral capsule
• Other Brand Names: Spiriva Handihaler, Spiriva Respimat, Spiriva, Spiriva Respimat 30 Dose, Spiriva Respimat 14 Dose, Spiriva Respimat 28 ACT, Spiriva Respimat 60 ACT, Spiriva Respimat 10 ACT

• It is used to treat COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
• This medicine is not to be used to treat intense flare-ups of shortness of breath. Use a rescue inhaler. Talk with the doctor.