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AirDuo Digihaler Side Effects

Generic name: fluticasone / salmeterol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 9, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about AirDuo Digihaler Side Effects associated with fluticasone / salmeterol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name AirDuo Digihaler.

Applies to fluticasone / salmeterol: inhalation aerosol liquid, inhalation disk, inhalation powder.

Serious side effects of AirDuo Digihaler

Along with its needed effects, fluticasone/salmeterol may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking fluticasone / salmeterol:

More common

  • black, tarry stools
  • blindness
  • blurred vision
  • burning, tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
  • chills
  • cough
  • decreased vision
  • difficulty with breathing or swallowing
  • eye pain
  • fast heartbeat
  • fever
  • headache
  • hives or welts, skin itching, rash, or redness
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • nausea
  • noisy breathing
  • painful or difficult urination
  • sensation of pins and needles
  • sore throat
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
  • stabbing pain in the arms or legs
  • swollen glands
  • tearing
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • vomiting

Incidence not known

  • backache
  • bruising
  • darkening of the skin
  • decrease in height
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty with moving
  • dizziness
  • facial hair growth in females
  • fainting
  • fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
  • flushed, dry skin
  • fractures
  • fruit-like breath odor
  • full or round face, neck, or trunk
  • heavy bleeding
  • increased hunger
  • increased thirst or urination
  • irritability
  • large, flat, blue, or purplish patches in the skin
  • loss of sexual desire or ability
  • menstrual irregularities
  • mental depression
  • muscle pain or stiffness
  • muscle wasting
  • pain in the back, ribs, arms, or legs
  • pain in the joints
  • stomach pain
  • sweating
  • unexplained weight loss
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • weight gain

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking fluticasone / salmeterol:

Symptoms of overdose

Other side effects of AirDuo Digihaler

Some side effects of fluticasone / salmeterol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • body aches or pain
  • choking
  • congestion
  • dryness of the throat
  • high-pitched noise when breathing
  • hoarseness
  • runny nose
  • sneezing
  • trouble with swallowing
  • voice changes

Less common

  • cough-producing mucus
  • irritation or inflammation of the eye
  • muscle pain
  • pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
  • sleep disorders
  • stuffy nose
  • white patches in the mouth or throat or on the tongue

For healthcare professionals

Applies to fluticasone / salmeterol: inhalation aerosol, inhalation powder.

General

The most common events that occurred more frequently were nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, nasal congestion, back pain, sinusitis, dizziness, nausea, pneumonia, candidiasis, and dysphonia.[Ref]

Nervous system

Respiratory

The incidence of pneumonia was higher in adult subjects with COPD older than 65 years compared with younger subjects with COPD (18% versus 14%).[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Dermatologic

Gastrointestinal

Immunologic

Metabolic

Musculoskeletal

Ocular

Other

Hypersensitivity

Psychiatric

Endocrine

Hepatic

References

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5. Lorentzen KA, Vanhelmond JLM, Bauer K, Langaker KE, Bonifazi F, Harris TAJ (1996) "Fluticasone propionate 1 mg daily and beclomethasone dipropionate 2 mg daily: a comparison over 1 yr." Respir Med, 90, p. 609-17

6. (2001) "Product Information. Advair Diskus (fluticasone-salmeterol)." Glaxo Wellcome

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10. Kemp JP, Bierman CW, Cocchetto DM (1993) "Dose-response study of inhaled salmeterol in asthmatic patients with 24-hour spirometry and Holter monitoring." Ann Allergy, 70, p. 316-22

11. Pearlman DS, Chervinsky P, LaForce C, Seltzer JM, Southern DL, Kemp JP, Dockhorn RJ, Grossman J, Liddle RF, Yancey SW, et al. (1992) "A comparison of salmeterol with albuterol in the treatment of mild-to- moderate asthma." N Engl J Med, 327, p. 1420-5

12. Meyer JM, Wenzel CL, Kradjan WA (1993) "Salmeterol: a novel, long-acting beta 2-agonist." Ann Pharmacother, 27, p. 1478-87

13. Maconochie JG, Forster JK (1992) "Dose-response study with high-dose inhaled salmeterol in healthy subjects." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 33, p. 342-5

14. Lopezguillen A, Marques L, Lopezllorente MT, Pastor E, Figueras A (1994) "Salmeterol-induced vertigo." Eur Respir J, 7, p. 2089-90

15. Barnes PJ (1995) "Drug therapy: inhaled glucocorticoids for asthma." N Engl J Med, 332, p. 868-75

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17. (2001) "Product Information. Flovent (fluticasone)." Glaxo Wellcome

18. Wilkinson JR, Roberts JA, Bradding P, Holgate ST, Howarth PH (1992) "Paradoxical bronchoconstriction in asthmatic patients after salmeterol by metered dose inhaler." BMJ, 305, p. 931-2

19. Clark CE, Ferguson AD, Siddorn JA (1993) "Respiratory arrests in young asthmatics on salmeterol." Respir Med, 87, p. 227-8

20. Dottorini ML, Tantucci C, Peccini F, Grassi V, Sorbini CA (1996) "Diurnal change of bronchial caliber and airway responsiveness in asthmatics during long-term treatment with long-acting beta 2-agonist salmeterol." Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther, 34, p. 438-43

21. Maconochie JG, Minton NA, Chilton JE, Keene ON (1994) "Does tachyphylaxis occur to the non-pulmonary effects of salmeterol?" Br J Clin Pharmacol, 37, p. 199-204

22. Britton MG, Earnshaw JS, Palmer JB (1992) "A twelve month comparison of salmeterol with salbutamol in asthmatic patients. European Study Group [published erratum appears in Eur Respir J 1993;6(1):150]." Eur Respir J, 5, p. 1062-7

23. Ullman A, Svedmyr N (1988) "Salmeterol comparison with salbutamol in adult asthmatic patients." Thorax, 43, p. 674-8

24. Tranfa CME, Pelaia G, Grembiale RD, Naty S, Durante S, Borrello G (1998) "Short-term cardiovascular effects of salmeterol." Chest, 113, p. 1272-6

25. Holliday SM, Faulds D, Sorkin EM (1994) "Inhaled fluticasone propionate. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic use in asthma." Drugs, 47, p. 318-31

26. Paggiaro PL, Dahle R, Bakran I, Frith L, Hollingworth K, Efthimiou J (1998) "Multicenter randomised placebo-controlled trial of inhaled fluticasone propionate in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease." Lancet, 351, p. 773-80

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Frequently asked questions

Further information

AirDuo Digihaler side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.