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Asthma/Advair help?

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Expert: - 1/31/2011


Question
Hi,
 I was just put on Advair diskus to help alleviate wheezing from whooping cough. I understand how to expose the mouth piece, but my question involves the lever and dispersal of the medicine. When I pull the lever, does the medicine come out immediately, or does it come out when I inhale through the mouth piece? Could you give me more instruction on how to use this?
  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Meghan,

The medication comes out when you inhale. To clarify what is happening mechanically, have you ever seen a toy cap gun with a roll of red caps? It is a bonded strip of paper with blisters in it, each blister containing the explosive powder. The medicine in the Advair Diskus looks the same, but the strip is made of two bonded layers of plastic. As you rotate the device open, it separates the two layers, one blister at a time per rotation, releasing the powder to be inhaled.

Here are the complete instructions:

http://www.advair.com/asthma/if-you-are-taking-advair/using-the-advair-diskus.ht...

Hope this helps. If not, get back to me on it, or, on any other questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Marc

Asthma

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Volunteer

Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator

Expertise

I have worked directly with patients as well as caregivers for over 30 years. Have made presentations throughout Illinois educating school nurses as well as the teaching and coaching staff of public schools about asthma, and how they should respond to these students needs. Presented a public education program on asthma through the US Department of Public Health. Specialize in helping guide asthmatic patients to take control of their disease in order to live a near-normal, fully active life.

Experience

Practicing pharmacist for 34 years, specializing in asthma for past 7 years. Statewide education to nurses, teachers and athletic coaches regarding asthma. In addition, and closer to home. my wife and daughter both have asthma, and my son has exercise induced bronchospasm. I'm also on the advisory board of a medical education company, Emmi Solutions, and directly involved in the creation of public education programs for asthma, COPD and diabetes.

Organizations
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) / Sports Medicine Committee, American Thoracic Society (ATS). Chicago Asthma Consortium / Professional Development Committee, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago: Development Committee for AE-C prep class, and presenter.

Publications
AAAAI PowerPoint on the new guidelines for EIB (Exercise Induced Bronchospasm)

Education/Credentials
BScPharm, RPh, AE-C (NAECB Certified asthma educator), NIPCO Certified Respiratory Care Pharmacist

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