The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released the news in late January that the first generic version of Advair Diskus has been approved. As a result, Mylan Pharmaceuticals has been allowed to market three strengths of this inhaler. For many asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients across the country, this means significantly more affordable drugs.
What is ADVAIR DISKUS?
ADVAIR DISKUS is an inhaled medication. It is actually made up of two components: fluticasone propionate and salmeterol. The first is a steroid that works by blocking the release of inflammation-causing substances. The second is a bronchodilator that relaxes airway muscles to make breathing easier.
ADVAIR DISKUS is taken twice daily by asthma patients to prevent asthma attacks. It is also used to treat COPD associated with chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. And this drug is intended to treat patients above the age of four. So since ADVAIR DISKUS is a long-term medication for chronic illnesses, having a generic version available in the market will mean significant savings for patients affected.
What is asthma?
Everyone’s lungs contain airways to carry air in and out. But people with asthma have inflamed airways. These airways may react very strongly to certain substances (i.e., triggers). Their reactions to these triggers may cause them to tighten, swell, make mucus, or all three. All of which makes it difficult for asthma patients to breathe.
Asthma symptoms include:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Tight feeling in chest
- Shortness of breath
Some people have very mild asthma, and their symptoms go away on their own. For others, asthma can impede on school, work, and quality of life. But no matter what category of asthma people fall under, a severe asthma attack can require emergency medical care.
According to the National Institutes of Health, about 25 million Americans suffer from asthma, out of which 7 million are children.
Although asthma has no cure, many people manage it successfully and go on to have full, productive lives like anyone else. Scheduling regular doctor checkups, knowing your triggers, making an action plan, and taking your medication regularly can help you manage your asthma well.
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease, which means that it will get worse over time. And people who have it usually get it from causes that affect the tiny air sacs in their lungs called alveoli and their capillaries. Some symptoms include:
- Your airways and alveoli losing elasticity, making breathing more difficult
- The walls between alveoli becoming inflamed or getting destroyed
- Excessive mucus clogging the airways
Despite tobacco smoking being the leading cause of COPD, at least 25% of people who get COPD don’t smoke. They may carry a gene that causes the disease, or they may be exposed to irritants like pollution, dust, and fumes present in some workplaces.
What are generic drugs?
You may now be asking what the difference is between brand-name and generic drugs. Is one better than the other? Why are generic drugs so much cheaper?
According to the FDA, there is virtually no difference between brand-name and generic drugs in terms of chemistry. The generic version must have the same active ingredient and work the same way as the brand-name version. While there will be some minute natural variability between drugs, all generic drugs are reviewed meticulously by the FDA.
Generic drugs tend to be cheaper than brand-name ones because animal and human studies do not have to be repeated. And allowing multiple companies to market a generic drug also increases market competition and lowers prices.
Americans can now enjoy a more affordable future.
Thanks to the FDA’s approval, Americans across the country can now enjoy more affordable asthma and COPD medication for them and their loved ones. To buy cheap and affordable Advair Diskus today, visit Rx Connected. Rx Connected is an international and Canadian pharmacy referral service that connects Americans to pharmaceutical drugs sold elsewhere in the world at lower prices.
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