Daily Medication Pearl: Fluticasone/Salmeterol (Wixela)

Medication Pearl of the Day: Fluticasone/salmeterol (Wixela)

Indication: Wixela Inhub is a combination product containing a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) indicated for the treatment of asthma in patients 4 years of age and older. Maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction and reducing exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Insight:

• Dosing: For oral inhalation only. Asthma—1 inhalation of Wixela 100/50, 250/50, or 500/50 twice daily. Starting dosage is based on asthma severity. Maintenance treatment of COPD—1 inhalation of Wixela Inhub 250/50 twice daily.
• Dosage forms: Inhaler containing a combination of fluticasone propionate (100, 250, or 500 mcg) and salmeterol (50 mcg) as a powder formulation for oral inhalation.
• Adverse events: Upper respiratory tract infection or inflammation, pharyngitis, dysphonia, oral candidiasis, bronchitis, cough, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
• Mechanism of action: Fluticasone propionate is a synthetic trifluorinated corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory activity. Salmeterol is a selective long-acting beta adrenergic agonist.
• Manufacturer: Mylan

Sources:

• Label for Wixela (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder, USP) (fda.gov)
• wixela image - Google Search