Wixela®

What is Wixela?

Wixela is a combination inhaler used to prevent asthma symptoms from developing. It’s an FDA-approved generic of Advair that contains the active ingredients Fluticasone and Salmeterol.

Salmeterol works as a bronchodilator, opening your airways whenever you’re having an asthma attack, while Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that keeps inflammation at bay and prevents symptoms from occuring in the first place.

Wixela comes as an Inhub inhaler that’s similar to the Advair Diskus inhaler, which is breath-activated and a bit easier to use than regular button-activated inhalers. Advair has the same active ingredients as Wixela, as well as AirDuo, the main difference between all of them is the appearance of the inhalers.

How does Wixela work?

Wixela contains two active ingredients that perform two completely different tasks: Fluticasone which is a corticosteroid, and Salmeterol which is part of a group of drugs known as beta-2 agonists.

Fluticasone has a direct effect on vasoconstriction and inflammation. Corticosteroids work to directly bring down inflammation and decrease mucus gland secretions. The anti-inflammatory effect can then prevent most asthma symptoms.¹

Salmeterol can relax bronchial smooth muscle, cause bronchodilation, and increase airflow in the lungs. All these factors help you breathe easier. It can also inhibit histamines and leukotrienes, which prevent inflammation. But its anti-inflammatory properties aren’t strong enough to prevent an asthma attack, and that’s where Fluticasone shines.²

What doses of Wixela are there?

Wixela Inhub is available in three different doses. Each inhaler comes with 60 doses, and each inhalation will give you 100mcg, 250mcg, or 500mcg of Fluticasone, plus 50mcg of Salmeterol. The recommended daily dose is one inhalation twice a day.

Whether you use the 500/50mcg, the 250/50mcg, or the 100/50mcg version, will depend on how severe your condition is and how much you rely on your rescue inhaler. Don’t worry, you don’t have to decide for yourself, the clinician who prescribes your treatment will be able to tell you which is most suitable for you.

How to use Wixela

The clinician who prescribes Wixela to you will be able to give you detailed instructions on how to use it. Here are some simple instructions to get you started before you use it for the first time:

• Take one puff on the inhaler, twice a day
• After inhalation, rinse your mouth thoroughly and spit it out to avoid swallowing any powder, as it can cause gastrointestinal upset
• If you have asthma attack symptoms, don’t use Wixela as a rescue inhaler, instead use your designated rescue inhaler
• If you find you’re still experiencing asthma symptoms, contact your clinician so they can review your condition
• Each inhaler contains 60 doses. The indicator will turn red once you use 51, which lets you know you need a refill.

How to use Wixela Inhub

• Hold the inhaler upright and push down the lever to expose the mouthpiece
• Continue holding the inhaler upright and push the yellow lever down to the end of the purple arrows until you hear a faint click
• Before you take Wixela, take a deep breath, exhaling as much as possible away from the mouthpiece
• Place your lips around the mouthpiece and inhale quickly, as much as you can. Do not take in air through the nose
• Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for ten seconds, or until you can hold it any longer
• Breathe out slowly, as much as you can again

How long does it take Wixela to work?

It may take up to a week for you to get the full benefits of Wixela. This is not the type of inhaler that you use when and if asthma symptoms occur, you’re meant to take it in measured doses twice a day as prevention. So if you experience any symptoms, you need to use a rescue inhaler.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Wixela?

If you forget to take a dose, do it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next one don’t worry, just skip the one you missed. One missed dose is unlikely to affect your treatment.

If you accidentally take too much Wixela, contact the emergency services as soon as possible. If you experience increased shortness of breath, chest pain, or increased heart rate, go to the nearest emergency room to get acute treatment.