How to write a prescription for generic Advair (fluticasone-salmeterol) 250?

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Last updated: April 24, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

To write a prescription for generic Advair 250, you should include the patient's full name, date of birth, and address, the date of the prescription, the medication name (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol), the strength (250/50 mcg per inhalation), the dosage form (inhalation powder), and the directions for use. When prescribing generic Advair 250, it is essential to consider the patient's diagnosis and treatment plan, as outlined in the expert panel report 3 (epr-3): guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma-summary report 2007 1. The prescription should include:

  • The patient's full name, date of birth, and address
  • The date of the prescription
  • The medication name (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol)
  • The strength (250/50 mcg per inhalation)
  • The dosage form (inhalation powder)
  • The directions for use (typically "Inhale 1 puff twice daily")
  • The quantity to be dispensed (usually a 30-day supply would be 1 inhaler containing 60 doses)
  • The number of refills authorized
  • Your signature, printed name, DEA number, NPI number, and contact information It is also crucial to specify "Dispense as written" or "Substitution permitted" depending on whether you want the pharmacy to dispense the brand name or generic version, as the study suggests that inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred long-term control medication for initiating therapy 1. Additionally, it is recommended to counsel the patient on proper inhaler technique and to rinse their mouth after use to prevent oral thrush, as the benefits of ICSs outweigh any concerns about potential risks of a small, nonprogressive reduction in growth velocity or other possible adverse effects 1. The "250" refers to the dose of fluticasone (250 mcg), while salmeterol is standardized at 50 mcg per inhalation, and this combination is commonly prescribed for asthma or COPD, as outlined in the guidelines 1. It is essential to monitor the patient's response to therapy closely, as treatment of young children is often in the form of a therapeutic trial, and if a clear and beneficial response is not obvious within 4 to 6 weeks, treatment should be stopped, and alternative therapies or alternative diagnoses should be considered 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Writing a Prescription for Generic Advair 250

To write a prescription for generic Advair 250, which contains fluticasone propionate and salmeterol, consider the following:

  • The prescription should specify the strength of the medication, which in this case is fluticasone propionate 250 mcg and salmeterol 50 mcg 2.
  • The dosage form is an inhalation powder, and the device used for administration is typically a Diskus device 2, 3.
  • The frequency of administration can be once daily in the evening or twice daily, depending on the patient's response and the physician's judgment 2.
  • It is essential to instruct the patient on the proper use of the inhaler device to ensure effective delivery of the medication.

Key Considerations

  • The combination of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol has been shown to be effective in achieving asthma control and reducing exacerbations 3.
  • The choice of inhaler device and the dose of the medication can affect the incidence of oral thrush, a potential side effect of inhaled corticosteroids 4.
  • Long-term anti-inflammatory effects of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol combination inhalers have been demonstrated, with fixed-dose maintenance therapy being a useful treatment option 5.

Patient Education

  • Patients should be educated on the proper use of the inhaler device and the importance of adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen.
  • They should also be informed about the potential side effects, including oral thrush, and the measures to prevent it, such as rinsing the mouth after inhalation 4, 6.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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