Hi Cory,

Advair, like any medicine, does carry some risks of side effects. Advair is a combination drug that contains an inhaled steroid and a long-acting beta agonist (LABA for short). Studies that showed a consistent possibility of severe side effects (including death) from this LABA led to Advair getting what is called a "black box warning", which you can read more about by clicking the linked words.

However, it's important to understand that the number of people who actually had those severe side effects was very small, and none of them were taking Advair, only the LABA that's in it. That's why Advair only received a warning and was not taken off the market. Also, there are many criticisms of the study that generated these concerns.

I just read this week, though, of a new study which hasn't even been published yet. In this study, researchers found that when salmeterol (the LABA that spawned the original concerns) is combined with an inhaled steroid (hence the combination drug Advair), there is NO increased risk of side effects. In fact, people tend to be healthier because their asthma control is greater.

As with any medication, you should always weigh the potential benefits vs. the possible risks when making a decision as to whether to use it. And talk openly with your doctor about your concerns.