Seroflo Junior Inhaler (Salmeterol 25mcg & Fluticasone 50mcg)

Seroflo general information

What is Seroflo used for?

Seroflo Junior Inhaler is a combination medication used for the regular long-term treatment and management of reversible obstructive airways disease, such as asthma, where a combination medication is considered appropriate.  This includes: patients already using a combination medication, or using an inhaled preventer medication but are not adequately controlled and are still having symptoms, or patients using a reliever medication as needed, to treat symptoms of asthma, but are not adequately controlled.  Seroflo 50 Inhaler 50 should not be used for severe asthma or as a “reliever” for asthma attack.  Seroflo Junior Inhaler is also used for treatment of moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is a non-reversible obstructive airways disease.  The combination of medications in Seroflo Junior Inhaler work together to provide better control of asthma to protect against symptoms, prevent exacerbations of asthma or COPD and improve lung function.

How does Seroflo work?

Seroflo Junior Inhaler contains a combination of two medications that work by different mechanisms of action to control obstructive airways disease in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  Fluticasone in Seroflo Junior Inhaler is a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medication that blocks Inflammation, one of the underlying causes of asthma.  This is a preventer medication and works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals released in the airways in response to asthma trigger, such as allergens or irritants in the air, reducing inflammation and swelling of the airways.  Salmeterol is a long-acting beta₂-agonist and bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles of the small airways of the lungs (bronchioles) to widen the airways.  This reduces bronchospasm (constriction or the airways) relieving symptoms of asthma such as tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath and provides relief for up to 12 hours.  Fluticasone and salmeterol in Seroflo Junior Inhaler are delivered in an aerosol directly into the bronchioles of the lung and work together to improve lung function, and to reduce symptoms and exacerbations of asthma.

What does Seroflo contain?

Seroflo Junior Inhaler is a metered dose inhaler (MDI) that contains the active ingredients Salmeterol xinafoate a bronchodilator (25mcg), and fluticasone propionate (50mcg), a corticosteroid used in combination to treat asthma and COPD.  Each dose contains 25mcg salmeterol xinafoate and 50mcg fluticasone propionate.  It also contains the non-CFC propellant norflurane (also known as HFA 134a or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), which delivers 25mcg salmeterol and 50mcg fluticasone as an aerosol into your lungs each time your actuate (press down) your inhaler.  Each inhaler contains 120 actuations (doses).  

Treating asthma with Seroflo

Seroflo Junior Inhaler contains a combination of fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medication that blocks Inflammation, one of the underlying causes of asthma; and salmeterol xinafoate, a long-acting bronchodilator that relieves bronchospasm (constriction or narrowing of the bronchioles or small airways) and widens the airways to allow air to flow more easily into the lungs.  Seroflo Junior Inhaler is used as an asthma prevention medication and the two medication works together to improve lung function, and to reduce exacerbations of asthma and symptoms like tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath.  Seroflo Junior Inhaler should not be used as a “reliever” or “rescue” medication if you are having an asthma attack.

Should you use Seroflo with other asthma inhalers?

Seroflo Junior Inhaler is used as a long-term “preventer” medication to reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways of the lung, and reduce bronchospasm (constriction or narrowing of the bronchioles or small airways) as part of an asthma management plan to reduce symptoms and exacerbations of asthma, and to improve lung function.  You may also be prescribed a short-acting bronchodilator for relief of bronchospasm during an asthma attack, to be used as needed.  Both are intended to be taken together, only if recommended by your doctor. 

What are the side effects of Seroflo?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Seroflo Junior Inhaler are due to the fluticasone component and include a sore throat or tongue, which may be due to candida infection (thrush), hoarseness or throat irritation and contusion in the skin (bruising).  Side effects due to the salmeterol component include headache, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), tremor (shaky or tense feeling), palpitations, mouth or throat irritation and muscle cramps.  Pneumonia was reported in studies of patients with COPD.

When should Seroflo not be used?

You should not use Seroflo Junior Inhaler if you:

• are allergic to salmeterol or fluticasone or any ingredients in Seroflo
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• are a diabetic, without discussion with your doctor, as the fluticasone in Seroflo Junior Inhaler may increase your glucose levels
• have tuberculosis of the lung or other long term lung infection
• have pre-existing cardiovascular disease, heart rhythm abnormality or thyrotoxicosis (high levels of thyroid hormone), without discussion with your doctor
• are taking other medications that may interact with Seroflo, like ritonavir for HIV infection, ketoconazole for fungal infection, or the β-blocker propranolol

What are the health risks of Seroflo?

Long term use of Seroflo Junior Inhaler may cause the adrenal glands, which produce endogenous (naturally occurring) corticosteroids, to stop working efficiently.  This may slow down the growth rate in children and will need regular monitoring.  Seroflo Junior Inhaler may also cause decreased bone mineral density if used for long periods.

What is paradoxical bronchospasm?

All inhaled asthma medications can cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which is when the inhaled medication taken to relieve or prevent bronchospasm actually makes it worse, causing wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness of the chest.  If this happens you should inform your doctor and take their advice.

How should Seroflo be taken?

You should use your Seroflo Junior Inhaler by taking two puffs (inhalations) twice a day, morning and evening.  The dose you take and how often you take it depends on the severity of your asthma and your age and should be as recommended by your doctor.  Seroflo Junior Inhaler does not work immediately, but is intended as a long-term medication which may take up to a week to start to work and it may take several weeks before you feel maximum benefit.  Follow the instructions provided when using your Seroflo Junior Inhaler.  You should continue to take your Seroflo Junior Inhaler as long as is recommended by your doctor and you should not stop taking your Seroflo Junior Inhaler, even if you feel better. 

How to use your Seroflo inhaler

Follow the instructions provided with your Seroflo Junior Inhaler.  

1. Remove the mouthpiece cover and shake the inhaler.
2. Breathe out as far as is comfortable and then place the mouthpiece in your mouth. 
3. Start to inhale and press down on the top of the inhaler to release a dose of fluticasone and salmeterol while still breathing in through your mouth until your lungs are full, and then hold your breath for a few seconds.
4. Remove the inhaler and breathe normally. 
5. Replace the mouthpiece cover. 
6. Rinse your mouth after use.

Note:  You can use a spacer device to help you inhale correctly.

How long should you take Seroflo?

You should continue to take your Seroflo Junior Inhaler as long as is recommended by your doctor and you should not stop taking your Seroflo Junior Inhaler, even if you feel better.

Missed dose of Seroflo

If you miss a dose of Seroflo Junior Inhaler take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Seroflo be stored?

You should store your Seroflo below 25°C in a cool dry place.