Wixela Inhub vs Advair HFA

Wixela Inhub is the first FDA-approved generic version of Advair Diskus. Wixela Inhub and Advair Diskus are the brand names for these prescription drugs used for the treatment of asthma. They do not treat an acute asthma attack. You should use a rescue asthma inhaler, such as albuterol, for an acute attack.

Here we explain how these medications work, their similarities and differences, their side effects, and more. This should provide you with the basics to better understand your options.

What is Wixela Inhub?

Wixela Inhub is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved medication manufactured by Mylan Pharma. It contains fluticasone propionate an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and salmeterol xinafoate, a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA), also known as a bronchodilator. Wixela Inhub is used:

• For the maintenance treatment of asthma and to prevent symptoms such as wheezing in patients 4 years of age and older
• To treat adults and children with asthma who are not well controlled with an asthma control medicine, such as an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and need both an ICS and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) medicine
• For the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both
• To reduce exacerbations of COPD in patients with a history of exacerbations

Wixela Inhub does not work right away and should not be used to relieve intense flare-ups of shortness of breath, sudden asthma attacks, or bronchospasm. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler.

In-vitro, pharmacokinetic, and clinical endpoint studies have shown the bioequivalence of Wixela Inhub 100/50 and Advair Diskus 100/50. Both drugs show significant improvement on FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) lung function.

Wixela Inhub dosage

Wixela Inhub is available as a dry powder inhaler containing a combination of fluticasone propionate (100, 250, or 500 mcg) and salmeterol inhalation powder formulation for oral inhalation.

Wixela Inhub is used twice a day. The recommended starting dose is based on the severity of your asthma. Please read the full patient information leaflet and always speak with your healthcare provider about any changes to your dose so they can monitor and evaluate your condition.

What is Advair Diskus?

Advair Diskus is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved medication manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). It is a prescription medication used to lessen and prevent the symptoms of asthma in adults and children 12 years of age and older. If you have asthma, your doctor may have prescribed Advair Diskus to you. It’s an aerosol medication you take by inhaling it into your airways and lungs using an inhaler, usually twice a day. It reduces inflammation and relaxes muscle tissue, helping to open up your airways and lungs, making it easier to breathe. This can give you daily relief from your asthma symptoms and make asthma attacks less likely.

Advair Diskus also contains the fluticasone propionate/salmeterol combination. When inhaled, these ingredients work together to open up your lungs and airways. Fluticasone propionate is a type of corticosteroid. When you inhale Advair Diskus, molecules of fluticasone propionate attach to areas on the surface of the cells in your airways and lungs called glucocorticoid receptors. This stimulates the receptors, making them produce lower amounts of the substances that trigger inflammation and greater amounts of anti-inflammatory proteins. This helps to reduce inflammation throughout your lungs and airways.

Salmeterol is a medication called a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA). It attaches to areas on the outside of muscle tissue in your airways and lungs called beta-2 receptors. This stimulates the receptors, causing them to relax the muscle tissue, opening up your lungs and airways.

Advair Diskus dosage

Advair Diskus is available in an oral inhalation powder form, in the following doses: Fluticasone propionate (100, 250, or 500 mcg) and salmeterol (50 mcg) as an oral inhalation powder.

Advair Diskus is used twice a day. The recommended starting dose is based on the severity of your asthma. Please read the prescribing information leaflet and always speak with your healthcare provider about any changes to your dose so they can monitor and evaluate your condition.

Common side effects of Wixela Inhub and Advair Diskus

The most common side effects of Wixela Inhub in clinical trials compared to placebo include:

• Headache
• Upset stomach, vomiting
• Thrush (fungal infection of the throat)
• Signs of a common cold

More serious side effects of Wixela Inhub include:

• Worsening of existing infections
• Allergic reactions – hives, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever, wheezing, tight chest or throat, problems breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Upper respiratory tract infection, nasal sinus disorders
• High blood sugar – confusion, feeling sleepy, thirsty, urinating more frequently, fruity smell to the breath
• Signs of low potassium – muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure or low blood pressure
• Chest pain or pressure
• Feeling anxious
• Eye problems including glaucoma, cataracts, or other changes in vision
• Seizures
• Bone thinning or weakness (osteoporosis)
• Insomnia
• Tiredness
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Weight gain
• Red or white patches in the mouth or throat
• Breathing problems – if you have trouble breathing, breathing that is worse, shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing after using Wixela Inhub use a rescue inhaler and get medical help right away

The most common side effects of Advair Diskus in clinical trials include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Throat irritation
• Hoarseness and changes to your voice
• An increase in upper respiratory chest infections

More serious side effects of Advair Diskus include

• A weakened immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections, including serious infections like tuberculosis
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Severe allergic reactions to the medication can cause swelling in your face, mouth, and throat, which can make it difficult to breathe
• A sudden worsening of your asthma symptoms, including asthma attacks (paradoxical bronchospasm)
• Fungal infections (candida/thrush) in your mouth and throat – this is less likely if you rinse your mouth out with water after taking your Advair Diskus
• Increased blood pressure
• A fast and/or irregular heartbeat
• A thinning and weakening of bones (osteoporosis)
• An increased risk of eye problems, including glaucoma, cataracts, and blurred vision
• An increased risk of developing pneumonia if you also have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Slowed rates of growth in children

These aren’t all the side effects Wixela Inhub or Advair Diskus can cause. You can find more details in the patient leaflet that comes with your medication. If you have any concerns about side effects, talk to your physician or a pharmacist.

Wixela Inhub and Advair Diskus interactions

Wixela Inhub can interact with other medications. These include:

• Other medicines containing a LABA
• Ritonavir, atazanavir, indinavir, saquinavir
• Ketoconazole, itraconazole
• Clarithromycin, telithromycin
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Beta-blockers
• Diuretics

Advair Diskus can interact with other medications. These include:

• Any other medications taken to treat asthma or other breathing problems
• Any other medications that contain steroids
• Any other medications that contain a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist LABA
• Any medications taken to treat bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, including an HIV infection, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, nelfinavir, or cobicistat

Wixela Inhub and Advair Diskus can interact with other medications. This can change how Wixela Inhub and Advair Diskus and other medications work and can make side effects more likely. Tell your prescribing physician about all your drugs, including vitamins and dietary supplements.

Wixela Inhub and Advair Diskus contraindications

You should not use Wixela Inhub if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredients fluticasone propionate or salmeterol xinafolate
• Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in Wixela Inhub
• Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant

Talk to your doctor before using Wixela Inhub if you:

• Are taking any of the medications that could interact with Wixela Inhub
• Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed
• Are using another drug similar to this one
• Have diabetes
• Have osteoporosis
• Have an allergy to milk proteins

You should not use Advair Diskus if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredients fluticasone and salmeterol
• Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in Advair Diskus
• Have sudden breathing problems, like an asthma attack. Use a rescue inhaler to treat sudden breathing problems
• Are under 12 years of age

Talk to your doctor before using Advair Diskus if you:

• Are taking any of the medications that could interact with Advair Diskus
• Have any problems with your immune system
• Have any liver problems
• Have any heart problems
• Have diabetes
• Have osteoporosis
• Have high blood pressure
• Have any thyroid problems
• Have any eye problems, including cataracts or glaucoma
• Have or have ever had any problems with your adrenal glands
• Have an active infection
• Have recently been around someone who has measles or chickenpox
• Have or have ever had a seizure
• Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed

Other drugs for Asthma and COPD

• Advair HFA
• AirDuo Digihaler
• AirDuo Respiclick
• Breo Ellipta
• Trelegy Ellipta

If you have any concerns about Wixela Inhub or Advair Diskus side effects, talk to your physician, or pharmacist for medical advice. Also inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions, supplements, and over-the-counter meds you are taking. You are also encouraged to report side effects to the FDA: visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.