Can I take Weikel in place of Advair (fluticasone-salmeterol)?

Wixela Inhub Can Be Taken in Place of Advair

Yes, Wixela Inhub can be taken in place of Advair (fluticasone-salmeterol) as it is an FDA-approved generic equivalent containing the same active ingredients at the same strengths.

What is Wixela Inhub?

Wixela Inhub is a generic version of Advair Diskus that contains the same two active ingredients:

• Fluticasone propionate (an inhaled corticosteroid)
• Salmeterol (a long-acting beta-agonist or LABA)

This combination medication is designed to treat both the inflammatory and bronchoconstrictive components of asthma and COPD 1.

Evidence Supporting Equivalence

Research has demonstrated that Wixela Inhub is bioequivalent to Advair Diskus:

• In vitro studies show comparable emitted dose and aerodynamic particle size distribution across all strengths and flow rates 2
• The devices have similar functionality and user interface, though Wixela Inhub has slightly higher resistance than Advair Diskus 2
• This slight difference in resistance did not impact the demonstration of bioequivalence or affect product substitutability 2

Available Strengths

Like Advair, Wixela Inhub is available in three strengths of fluticasone propionate with a fixed dose of salmeterol 3:

• 100/50 mcg (fluticasone 100 mcg/salmeterol 50 mcg)
• 250/50 mcg (fluticasone 250 mcg/salmeterol 50 mcg)
• 500/50 mcg (fluticasone 500 mcg/salmeterol 50 mcg)

Clinical Considerations

When switching from Advair to Wixela Inhub:

1. Same Dosing Schedule: Continue with the same dosing schedule (typically one inhalation twice daily) 3

2. Similar Technique: The inhalation technique is similar, though patients should review the specific instructions for Wixela Inhub 3

3. Efficacy: Expect similar clinical outcomes for:

   • Reduction in exacerbations in COPD and asthma 4, 5
   • Improvement in lung function 6
   • Enhancement of quality of life 7

4. Side Effect Profile: The side effect profile is the same as Advair, including:

   • Potential for oropharyngeal candidiasis
   • Dysphonia
   • Dry mouth
   • Risk of pneumonia in COPD patients 5

Important Precautions

• Always rinse your mouth with water after using Wixela Inhub to reduce the risk of oral thrush 3
• Do not use Wixela Inhub for acute bronchospasm or asthma attacks (use a rescue inhaler instead)
• Monitor for any changes in symptom control after switching

Patient Education Points

• The dose counter on Wixela Inhub shows how many doses remain
• A red indicator appears when 9 or fewer doses are left, signaling time for a refill 3
• Store the inhaler in a dry place
• Do not wash the inhaler or take it apart 3

Conclusion

For patients currently using Advair Diskus, Wixela Inhub represents a therapeutically equivalent alternative that can be substituted at the same dose strength. The switch should not affect disease control or safety profile as long as the patient uses the device correctly.