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Side Effects of Fluticasone and Salmeterol
Some of the most common side effects of fluticasone and salmeterol include upper respiratory infections, headaches, and a sore throat. While most side effects of fluticasone and salmeterol tend to be minor, there are some potentially serious problems that may occur while taking the medication. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience more serious side effects, such as signs of an allergic reaction, an irregular heart rhythm, or breathing problems that are getting worse.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair®). However, not everyone who takes fluticasone and salmeterol will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with fluticasone and salmeterol. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of fluticasone and salmeterol side effects with you.)
Fluticasone and salmeterol has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
In these studies, the most common fluticasone and salmeterol side effects included:
- Upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold -- in up to 27 percent of people
- Headaches -- up to 21 percent
- A sore throat -- up to 13 percent
- Bronchitis -- up to 8 percent
- Coughing -- up to 6 percent
- Nausea and vomiting -- up to 6 percent.
Other common side effects, occurring in 3 percent to 5 percent of people, included:
- Sinus infections
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Muscle pain or bone pain
- A fever
- Menstrual problems
- Thrush
- Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
- Diarrhea
- A bloody nose
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramps or muscle spasms.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD