Asthma Support Group

I have been on both the 250 and the 500. In the past, I would take the 250 daily and the 500 for two weeks during a flare-up. Now, I am on the 500 all the time.

I think (for me) there was a noticeable difference in the beginning. Now, it all seems the same...but my asthma isn't under complete control right now either.

Are you currently on the 250 and still having flare-ups?


Robin

I am on the 250 and it helps but I still have a little shortness of breath and the tightness in the sternum and ribcage area off and on all day. I tried Spiriva for two days and that didn't help as much as Advair. Is the 500 just extra cortisteroid or a higher does of the long acting bronchodialator?

The Advair 500 is 500 mcg of fluticasone propinate (steroid) and 50mcg of salmeterol (the dialator)

Advair 250 is 250 mcg fluticasone propinate (steroid) and 50mcg of salmeterol (the dialator)

There is a definite difference between the 250 and 500. I usually take 250 when sable and 500 during a flare up.

There is also Advair 100, but this does nothing for me.

Along with reducing asthma though, there is more of a chance of developing oral fungus infections (thrush) on the 500. This is easily treated with anti-fungals including nystatin or diflucan though.

It's best to start on the lowest dose needed and be monitored and adjust as necessary.

When I use it like I should, I've felt a difference! I'm taking the HFA though, cuz I hated the diskus! That's two puffs twice a day.

I was on advair 250 for quite a long time. Then, a respiratory therapist told me that switching to advair 500 might help me to use my rescue inhaler less when involved in athletic activities. What a difference it makes! On 500, the only time I use my rescue inhaler is when I have severe cold or allergy symptoms.

However, for whatever reason, some people have asthma that is more responsive to steroids, while others have asthma that is more responsive to long-acting bronchodialators. I seem to have the former, and a friend of mine has the latter. For her asthma, her specialist will give her extra serevent on top of advair.

for me the 500 helps control it better.

I use the 250 and it seem that the asthma is not quite under control.

I've been on the 500/50 for a year now. :-( I hate it but am told to take it anyway!!! So, I do! I'm afraid to risk a relapse. I was told originally that I'd be decreased down to the 250/50 dose but that never happened. I'll be seeing another pulmo for a 2nd opinion and plan on seeing what he thinks.