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Advair HFA vs Advair Diskus



What are the differences between Advair HFA vs. Advair Diskus?

There are two major differences between Advair HFA vs. Advair Diskus.  In an Advair HFA vs. Advair Diskus comparison, HFA contains salmeterol.  This is a beta agonist, which opens the airways and helps patients that struggle with breathing.  This is consistently 21 mcg concentration per inhaler regardless of the version of the Advair HFA provided to the patient.  The other active ingredient, which is common to both Advair HFA vs. Advair Diskus is fluticasone and the dosage will depend on the severity of the condition of the patient.

How is the delivery system different for the Advair HFA vs. Advair Diskus?

The Diskus gets its name from its unique shape and delivery system, using a compressed gas to shoot the corticosteroid into the airways.  It still must be cleaned regularly to ensure it is effective and residue is not ingested during the dosing. Advair HFA is delivered through a conventional inhaler.  This inhaler has to be primed and includes a counter that shows how many proper doses are left.  Instructions state to replace this inhaler once there are twenty doses to go and doses after the counter runs out cannot be trusted to be the reliable measured dose.

What are some similarities of Advair HFA vs. Advair Diskus?

Advair HFA vs. Advair Diskus are essentially the same medication, with the addition of the salmeterol in Advair HFA to treat more severe lung disorders and trouble breathing.  Both medications need to be taken twice a day under a normal dose, twelve hours apart.  In addition, the inhaler has to be cleaned at least once a week.  a danger with both medications is the potential for infection and thrush in the mouth, so both instruct those using the inhaler to rise and spit after every dose as well as clear the inhaler of residue every week.  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean the inhaler or Diskus weekly and avoid secondary infection or dosing improperly.

The doses must be taken consistently to be effective.  With that in mind, you will take this medication until instructed otherwise by the medical professional monitoring your asthma.

Differences in concentration for Advair HFA vs. Advair Diskus

Advair HFA comes in three forms, with differing concentrations of the corticosteroid, in micrograms.  These concentrations are 45, 115 and 230 and each inhaler is measured to have 120 doses.  The counter will read 124 as you are expected to depress the inhaler four times to prime it for use.  You will also have to prime the inhaler if several weeks have passed since the last dose, though you have to take Advair every day unless the doctor notes otherwise.

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