Clarification of Answer by
crabcakes-ga
on
05 Oct 2005 09:47 PDT
Hi Lab14,
"Medications are categorized into two general classes: long-term
control medications used to achieve and maintain control of persistent
asthma and quick-relief (rescue) medications used to treat acute
symptoms and exacerbations. The most effective medications for
long-term therapy are those that have anti-inflammatory effects.
Clients with persistent asthma require both classes of medication."
"# Long-acting beta2-agonists such as salmeterol (Serevent) enhance
the effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroid therapy, especially in
controlling EIB and nighttime symptoms (Greening et al., 1994;
Woolcock et al., 1996). Daily use of long-acting beta2-agonists
generally should not exceed 84 mcg (salmeterol=four puffs).
# Salmeterol is not to be used for treatment of acute symptoms or exacerbations.
# Client education regarding correct use of salmeterol is critical.
# Clients should be instructed not to stop anti-inflammatory therapy
while taking salmeterol even though their symptoms may significantly
improve."
"Salmeterol is also contained in the asthma drugs Serevent Diskus and
Advair Diskus. Manufacturer Glaxo-Wellcome sent a Safety Alert letter
to health professionals advising them of these findings. More
information on this study is available at
www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2003/serevent.htm (U.S. Food and Drug
Administration, 2003)."
http://www.nursingceu.com/courses/49/index_nceu.html
"In order for this medicine to help prevent asthma attacks, it must be
used every day in regularly spaced doses, as ordered by your doctor.
Rinsing your mouth with water after each dose may help prevent
hoarseness, throat irritation, and infection in the mouth. However, do
not swallow the water after rinsing."
http://www.drugs.com/cons/Advair_Diskus.html
"# Store at room temperature.
# Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other
damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down."
http://www.healthtouch.com/bin/EContent_HT/drugShowLfts.asp?fname=usp0725.htm&title=Advair+Diskus&cid=HT
Using a Diskus that is older than one month, but less than two months
old will not *hurt* you, however, you will not be getting the proper
dose as each day goes by. Exposure of the Diskus to heat and humidity
can affect the potency of the medicine contained inside. Obviously the
medicine does not lose potency at the stroke of midnight on the last
day of the month. Thepotency will decrease a bit each day.
If your asthme is not of a level and grade that keeping it under
control is an issue, then a few days of a month old plus Diskus would
not harm you. Keep in mind any more than that will cause the
controlling and cumulative effect of Advair to be weakened.
Your best bet, for the best preventative effect, is to use a fresh
Advair Diskus each month.
The expiration date on an Advair Diskus box is intended for an
UNOPENED Diskus. Once the foil pouch is open, the Diskus expires in 31
days.
With all due respect, the comment by Brady173 is inaccurate, is an
opinion, and is not backed up by any supporting evidence.
Regards, Crabcakes
