There was an article on the news about a week ago saying that the Advair inhaler and risks with use in children. Risks of death/heart attacks/rapid heart rate etc...Should I be concerned?
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Q: Is the advair inhaler allright for my 8 year old daughter to be using?
Answers (2)
6/26/08 1:26pm
Hi Tia,
Everything Joy has told you is correct. In addition, I just wanted to add that a recent analysis of research data by experts suggests that Advair, which uses Salmeterol in combination with an inhaled steroid IS completely safe for most people to take. The concerns that were raised in the past that prompted the black box warning on Advair were solely in connection with Salmeteroal when it was used alone, NOT in combination.
Best,
Kathi
6/25/08 1:39pm
According to the Advair web site (GlaxoSmithKline is the company), Advair 100/50 is approved for use in children ages 4 to 11.
You may have heard about the long-acting bronchodilator in Advair, called salmeterol, and it's potential dangers. Ironically, salmeterol may lead to worse asthma attacks, according to the "black box" warning on the drug.
If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor. There are other long-acting bronchodilators (known as LABA) and using corticosteroids in combination with a short-acting bronchodilator may work. But you have to talk honestly with your doctor and your daughter's condition before you can decide. Do not let your daughter stop taking the medicine before you have that conversation and a plan for her asthma treatment.
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