Advair Diskus and Sore Throat: What Users Say

• bla...
• November 29, 2011

For COPD, Maintenance "I started taking Advair 50/500 about 2 years ago. I must say that I have noticed almost a complete turnaround with my breathing problems, which is wonderful. However, I am in the emergency room almost half of every month due to severe heartburn, gallbladder attacks, severe stomach, throat, and esophagus pain. It is all due to the Advair. I have been on all the breathing medicines, and Advair works the best. Just don't know if I can keep dealing with all these side effects."

• eri...
• July 8, 2014

For Asthma, Maintenance "I was prescribed this inhaler for my asthma, and I found it did a good job of bringing my breathing back to normal. However, I also experienced numerous side effects from the medicine, such as very painful leg cramps/spasms that kept me from sleep and, at times, work/school and recurrent bacterial sinus infections (i.e., facial/ear pain, ringing in ears, headache), which I had never had prior to using Advair. I also had a sore throat at times while on this medication, which to me is very minor, and I would have continued use if this was the only side effect. Although it was not a good fit for me, I would recommend this medicine to others who are struggling to control their asthma."

• Ner...
• April 30, 2016

For Asthma, Maintenance "I had told my Dr. how, when I walk up my stairs in my house, how I'm out of breath and how my chest had been feeling tight over the last few months. I just use my nebulizer or my Ventolin pump, and it helps me feel better. But then she suggested Advair Diskus, and within the 2nd day, I felt the tightness in my chest like I was having an asthma attack, and then my throat started to feel swollen, so I stopped the medicine. Since using this medication, my throat is sore, swollen glands, hurts when I swallow. I'm very nervous and will not use it anymore."

• Lif...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 14, 2020

For Asthma, Maintenance "I’ve been using Advair for 5 years. Works great for asthma. First time asthma felt controlled, but side effects of a tight throat and change in voice are concerning. Now I had to stop this medicine, as throat issues have become worse. The occasional sore throat is now at least once a week, and my throat feels like it’s working so hard, like the muscles in the neck are actually sore from the tightness. Not really sure what is happening and not sure what to do with an asthma prevention alternative now. Also had a major asthma attack and took about a month to recover, so if your throat starts feeling funny and your voice box and larynx feel sore, beware and talk to your doctor. It just came on so fast."

• Sou...
• December 16, 2017

For COPD, Maintenance "I've been on Advair Diskus 250/50 for almost one month since being out of the hospital where I coded from COPD. Needless to say, I have quit smoking after 30 years (cold turkey). I can actually breathe & no more wheezing. Only drawback is financially, it costs $530, and I now have thick mucus in the back of my throat that I remember having when I once had pneumonia. My throat stays sore, and I am so afraid of coming down with pneumonia. Because of this, I am going to try using Advair once a day instead of twice a day. I also have nasal drip all night as well."

• dan...
• September 9, 2009

For Asthma, Maintenance "I have used Advair 500/50 for a little over three years. It has helped control the asthma, but there are some side effects. I don't have much taste sensation anymore, my throat feels raw, and I cough from the throat, which I don't remember doing before, and I lose my voice. This dosage is too much after a while, I get the shakes and feel weak, sometimes have terrible headaches. I have tried using 500/50 in the mornings and 250/50 at night. That is only good for a short while. I need something between these two."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2012

For Asthma, Maintenance "Has helped control my asthma, recently started 500/50 since I had another flare-up. I don't need a rescue inhaler near as often. Do get thrush occasionally and a little sore throat. But it does keep my asthma attacks down a lot."

• mia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2021

For COPD, Maintenance "The worst inhaler I have ever used. It has caused side effects of a sore throat, bad cough, congestion, sleeping issues, muscle and bone pain, and doesn't work well as an inhaler. Do NOT recommend. My emergency inhaler works better and lasts longer."

• You...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 13, 2018

For Asthma, Maintenance "After struggling with a series of ineffective corticosteroid inhalers, leukotriene modifiers, and antihistamines for nightly asthma episodes that set in in April 2014, I finally asked my doctor about Advair Diskus. I was very hesitant to use it because I was alarmed about the black box warning on this product and because I got a really nasty sore throat when I was on this when I was 6 or 7. I'm really glad I tried this medication. 250/50 brought my nightly episodes down to four days a week, and my current dose of 500/50 has me only needing my albuterol inhaler one or two nights per week. It's been a fantastic drug for me! The $60 copay isn't too terrible, which is also a plus."

• sue...
• April 21, 2017

For COPD, Maintenance "Does not work for me at all. Also caused diarrhea and sore throat."