How long does it take for Advair to work? (+3 factors)

In this article, we will discuss how long it takes for Advair to start working, why it takes so long, what factors may influence the time taken by Advair to start working and what to do if Advair does not show its effects even after weeks of taking it. 

How long does it take for Advair to work?

Advair (fluticasone propionate+salmeterol) may start working in 30-60 minutes (1) but it typically takes 1-2 weeks for Advair to reach its full effectiveness (2).  

Advair is a combination medication containing fluticasone, a corticosteroid and salmeterol, a bronchodilator. It is used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).  Advair takes its time to reach its full effect in controlling asthma symptoms. 

It is important to note that the time taken by Advair to start working may vary among patients due to certain other factors involved. You might not even feel immediate relief after taking Advair as the drug is intended for the treatment of asthma symptoms in the long run. 

It is advised to consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns regarding your medication. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and if needed, can modify the treatment plan to make it according to your requirements, needs and conditions. 

Why does Advair take a long time to work?

Advair takes 1-2 weeks to show its full effectiveness due to the mechanism of action of its components.

Fluticasone propionate

Fluticasone propionate is an inhaled corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation in the airways (3). It does this by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins (4).

However, it takes time for the fluticasone to build up in the airways and reach therapeutic levels. This is why it typically takes 1-2 weeks for Advair to start working. 

Salmeterol

Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-agonist that works by opening up the airways (5). It does this by binding to beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscles of the airways, causing them to relax (6). Salmeterol starts working within 30 minutes and the effects last for about 12 hours.

However, Salmeterol needs to build up in the airways to start showing its full effectiveness. That is why Advair may not provide quick relief for asthma. 

What factors may influence the time of Advair?

In addition to the basic mechanism of action of the two drugs present in Advair, several other factors may contribute to the time taken by Advair to start working. These include the following:

Individual variability

Individual’s responses to medications vary significantly. Some individuals may experience the relief within hours after taking Advair and some may not experience relief even after days of taking Advair. These differences may be attributed to genetic variations, changes in metabolism and overall health status.

Severity of asthma

The severity of asthma may also impact the time taken by Advair to start working. People with more severe asthma, characterized by frequent and more intense symptoms, may require a longer period for Advair to start working. 

Compliance with medication

Consistent adherence to the prescribed dosage regimen greatly affects the time taken by Advair to start working and fully control the symptoms of asthma. Missing doses or irregular doses can delay the onset and hinder the effects of Advair.

Previous medications

If you have previously been on other asthma medications, particularly long-acting beta-agonists, it may take some time for Advair to fully replace the effects of your previous medication. 

Underlying health condition

The presence of underlying health issues such as allergies, sinus infections and respiratory tract infections can temporarily exacerbate the symptoms of asthma and it may seem like Advair is not working. 

What to do if Advair doesn’t work after 1-2 weeks?

If Advair fails to provide relief from the asthma symptoms even after 1-2 weeks of consistently taking it as prescribed, then you should follow the following steps. 

• Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. 

• Discuss your medication adherence, including your dosing frequency.

• Check the condition of your medication to see if your medication has expired. This may also affect the therapeutic efficacy of the medication.

• Discuss the severity of your asthma. If your symptoms have worsened or they are unchanged after taking Advair. 

• Your doctor will evaluate any underlying condition that may be responsible for impeding Advair’s response.  

• In case, Advair fails to show its effects, your doctor may explore alternative treatment options for you. 

• Open communication with your healthcare provider about any lifestyle factors such as smoking or exposure to allergens is necessary. 

• Monitor your asthma symptoms and keep a record. 

• Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor the condition and to observe if you are adjusting well to your medications or not. 

Alternative to Advair

If Advair does not work for you, your doctor may suggest an alternative to ensure the efficacy and efficiency of your treatment plan. The alternatives to Advair that may be used to treat your asthma or symptoms of COPD may include one of the following (7) (8):

• Inhaled corticosteroids (IC) such as budesonide, ciclesonide, mometasone.
• Long-acting bets-agonists (LABA) such as salmeterol, formoterol, and vilanterol.
• Combination of IC and LABA such as Symbicort and Breo Ellipta.
• Leukotriene modifiers (LTM) such as montelukast and zafirlukast. 
• Anti-IgE antibodies such as omalizumab.

In my opinion, Advair may start working within 30 minutes on average. However, the complete effects are only observed after a week or two of taking the medications but a number of factors may influence the time taken. 

Consulting your healthcare provider is always the best option if you have any concerns regarding the treatment of your medical condition. 

References