Seretide 250/25 Inhaler

Seretide general information

What is Seretide used for?

Seretide Inhaler 250/25 (also known as Advair) is a combination “preventer” medication for treating reversible obstructive airways disease, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This combination therapy is used for long-term asthma management in people (adults and children) who are:

• already using a corticosteroid and a bronchodilator
• using an inhaled corticosteroid to treat asthma but are still having symptoms
• using a short-acting beta-agonist (bronchodilator), as needed, to treat symptoms of asthma, as an alternative to starting on higher doses of corticosteroid

Seretide Inhaler 250/25 does not contain a high enough dose of the corticosteroid medication for severe asthma and should not be used as a “reliever” for asthma attack. Seretide Inhaler 250/25 is also used to treat moderate to severe COPD who are using a beta-agonist (bronchodilator) but are still having symptoms. The combination of medications in Seretide Inhaler 250/25 work together to provide better control of asthma to protect against symptoms, prevent exacerbations of asthma or COPD and improve lung function.

How does Seretide work?

Seretide Inhaler 250/25 contains a combination of two medications that work by different mechanisms of action to control reversible obstructive airways disease in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fluticasone in Seretide 250/25 is a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medication that blocks Inflammation, one of the underlying causes of asthma, by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals released in the airways in response to asthma trigger, such as an allergens or irritants in the air. This reduces inflammation and swelling of the airways. Salmeterol in Seretide 250/25 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 work together to improve lung function, and to reduce symptoms and exacerbations of asthma.

What does Seretide contain?

Seretide Inhaler 250/25 is a metered dose inhaler (MDI) that contains the active ingredients salmeterol xinafoate (25mcg), a long-acting bronchodilator that relieves bronchospasm and fluticasone propionate (250mcg), a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory, used together as an asthma prevention medication. It also contains the non-CFC propellant norflurane (also known as HFA 134a or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), which delivers 250mcg fluticasone and 25mcg salmeterol as an aerosol into your lungs each time your actuate (press down) your inhaler. Each inhaler contains at least 120 actuations.

What Seretide inhalers are available?

Seretide is available online from Inhouse pharmacy in the following doses and delivery mechanisms:

Seretide Metered dose inhaler which delivers 120 actuations (inhalations) of Seretide as an aerosol:

• 50/25 mcg
• 125/25mcg
• 250/25mcg

Seretide accuhaler which delivers 60 actuations (inhalations) as a dry powder:

• 100/50mcg
• 250mcg
• 500mcg

Treating asthma with Seretide

Seretide Inhaler 250/25 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. Seretide MDI 250/25 is used as an asthma prevention medication and the two medication works together by reducing inflammation and widening the airways, to improve lung function, and to reduce exacerbations of asthma and symptoms like tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath. Seretide Inhaler 250/25 should not be used as a “reliever” or “rescue” medication if you are having an asthma attack.

Should you use Seretide with other asthma inhalers?

Seretide 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 Seretide?

The most commonly reported side effects when using Seretide Inhaler 250/25 due to the fluticasone component 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 heart beat), tremor (shaky or tense feeling), palpitations, mouth or throat irritation and muscle cramps. Pneumonia was reported in studies of patients with COPD.

When should Seretide not be used?

You should not use Seretide Inhaler 250/25 if you:

• are allergic to salmeterol or fluticasone any of the other ingredients in your Seretide Inhaler
• are pregnant or breast feeding, without discussion with your doctor
• are a diabetic, without discussion with your doctor, as the fluticasone in Seretide inhaler may increase your glucose levels
• have tuberculosis of the lung or other long term lung infection
• are taking other medications that may interact with Seretide inhaler, including: ritonavir for HIV infection, ketoconazole for fungal infection, the beta-blocker propranolol

What are the health risks of Seretide?

Long term use of Seretide 250/25 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. Seretide MDI 250/25 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 Seretide be taken?

You should use your Seretide inhaler 250/25 according to the instructions provided. The dose of Seretide MDI 250/25 you use (puffs of inhalations) and how often take it depends on the severity of your asthma and your age and should be as recommended by your doctor. You will usually take two puffs twice a day, morning and evening. Seretide 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. You should not stop taking your Seretide inhaler, even if you feel better.

How to use your Seretide inhaler

Follow the instructions provided with your Seretide 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 many puffs to take from your Serevent inhaler?

How many puffs (inhalations) you take from your Seretide inhaler 250/25 and how often depends on the severity of your asthma and your age and should be as recommended by your doctor. You will usually take two puffs twice a day, morning and evening. Seretide MDI 250/25 is a metered dose inhaler, which delivers exactly one dose per actuation (inhalation).

How long should you take Seretide?

You should use for Seretide inhaler 250/25 continually for as long as recommended by your doctor. You should not stop taking your Seretide inhaler, even if you feel better.

Missed dose of Seretide

If you miss a dose of Seretide 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 Seretide be stored?

Your Seretide inhaler should be stored below 30°C, and keep away from direct sunlight. Keep it closed when not in use