Why is it prescribed?
Serevent® diskhaler disks contains salmeterol xinafoate.
Salmeterol is used to prevent bronchospasm
associated with asthma, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, emphysema
and other pulmonary disorders where bronchospasm
is a complicating factor. These people are
generally using steroid therapy and still
experiencing breakthrough symptoms (e.g. coughing
and wheezing) that require regular use of rescue
bronchodilators. Salmeterol may also be used
as first-line therapy in people with chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease.
Side Effects
Serevent® diskhaler disks contains salmeterol xinafoate.
Along with its needed effects, salmeterol may
cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Often,
salmeterol users who use their medication
properly, never experience any unwanted effects.
The severity and duration of these effects are
dependant on many factors including duration of
therapy, dose, route of administration and
individual response.Possible unwanted effects
include:
- headache
- feeling a
little shaky
- slight palpitations (awareness
of heart beat)
Uncommon:
-
increased heart rate
- increase in the amount
of sugar (glucose)
- dizziness
- nausea
- muscle cramps
- trouble sleeping
-
weakness
- drowsiness
- flushing
Rare:
- restlessness
- irritability
- vertigo (whirling sensation)
- unusual
taste
- chest discomfort
- angina (chest
pain)
Many of these unwanted effects,
especially the most common ones, may disappear
with continued use. Check with the doctor or
pharmacist if any of them continue or become
bothersome.
Precautions and Warnings for Serevent® diskhaler disks
Serevent® diskhaler disks contains salmeterol xinafoate
Long-acting beta2-agonists, such as salmeterol,
are an optional add-on therapy for patients with
asthma who continue to have poor asthma control
despite an optimal dose of inhaled corticosteroids
(ICS). In asthma, salmeterol must be used together
with an appropriate dose of inhaled corticosteroid
and salmeterol should never be used as rescue
medication.
Maximum benefit cannot be achieved if the device
is not used correctly. Even if you have used the
device before, you should have your technique
reassessed by your pharmacist and read the patient
instructions that are provided with each product.
Salmeterol's bronchodilating effect lasts 12
hours. It should be used on a regular basis, every
morning and evening (every 12 hours) and never
more frequently than this. Breakthrough symptoms
should be treated with a short-acting (rescue)
bronchodilator.
If your rescue medication
isn't working as well as it used to, or if you
need more inhalations than usual to control
breakthrough symptoms, your asthma may be
worsening and your condition should be reassessed
by your doctor.
Never adjust doses of
salmeterol or any other asthma medications you are
taking without consulting the doctor.
Using 2
or more inhaled medications can lead to confusion.
Ensure that you know what each one is for and when
they should be used.
Salmeterol is intended
for long-term treatment and should not be started
in people whose asthma is worsening or unstable.
Drug Interactions: Be sure to tell your
doctor and pharmacist about any prescription or
over-the-counter medications you are taking in
order to avoid any potential drug interactions.
The following drugs and drug classes have been
known to interact with salmeterol: - MAO
(monoamine oxidase) inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine,
tranylcypromine)
- tricyclic antidepressants
(e.g. amitriptyline)
- some beta-blockers (e.g.
propranolol)
- other bronchodilators
Use is not recommended in the following
situations:
- allergy to salmeterol or
any component of the preparation
- allergy to
lecithin, soya or related products (e.g.
soyabeans), milk or lactose
- cardiac
arrhythmia (irregular hear beat) associated with
tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
- people whose
asthma is managed by occasional use of short-
acting bronchodilators
- children under 4 years
of age
Caution recommended in the
following situations:
- high blood
pressure
- diabetes
- heart disease
- seizures (history)
- elderly
-
sensitivity to sympathomimetics (drugs that
stimulate the central nervous sysytem)
Use in pregnancy: Consult your doctor or
pharmacist if you suspect that you may be
pregnant.
Use while breastfeeding: Consult
your doctor or pharmacist before you begin
breastfeeding.
Patient Information
Serevent® disks are intended for inhalation only, and must only be used with a Serevent® diskhaler device.
To ensure administration of the proper dosage, your doctor or pharmacist should instruct you on the proper use and care of this delivery system.
The diskhaler should be kept clean and dry at all times.
Remember that each disk contains only 4 doses.
The diskhaler should be cleaned and cared for according to manufacturer's instructions.
You may need to replace your diskhaler after about 6 months of use.
Store the disks at room temperature (15 to 25 degrees centigrade). Protect from direct heat, sunlight and humidity.
Directions for Use
The usual dose in adults and children over 4 years of age is 1 blister (50 mcg) twice daily (1 blister in the morning and 1 blister in the evening).
Lung Diseases Treated with this Drug
- asthma
- bronchitis
- bronchospasm associated with COPD
- chronic bronchitis (COPD)
- COPD
- emphysema (COPD)
Need More Information?
For more information contact your physician, pharmacist, other health care professional or for general questions call your local lung association.
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