I recently spent 3 days in the hospital newly diagnosed with asthma at the age of 49. I was given solu-medrol IV, Levaquin and albuterol and atrovent nebulizers until I was well enough to go home. I completed one pak of the medrol dose pak with no problems. In addition to the rescue inhaler of Albuterol (which I've only used once in 2 weeks), I was given the Advair diskus 500 to use 2 x daily. The problem I'm having is horrible cramping to every part of me----hands, fingers, toes, legs, and even AWFUL cramps to my back and ribs areas (which to me is a strange place to have them). The pains are so strong that they make me feel like I'll pass out. Today while watering in the yard, I got cramps to my hand so bad that I let loose of the hose and my fingers were spasming so tight that I had to use my other hand to "loosen" them.
It didn't even occur to me to suspect the Advair until today so I did a search and found cramping as a side effect---not more specific. I called my doctor and could only speak to a "nurse" who was no help at all. I would like to know if anyone else has had these horrific cramps from Advair and did you just stop taking it? I have an appt to see my doctor in 2 weeks, but I can't take the pain so I want to discontinue it now.