Seretide Inhaler

Seretide is a purple inhaler which prevents asthma attacks. The diskus Seretide inhaler contains the medication in the form of a very fine powder. Unlike other asthma inhalers, it does not use a liquid solution. The inhaler contains blisters which hold 1 dose of Seretide each. A counter on the side of the inhaler tells you how many doses are left in the inhaler.

The Seretide inhaler contains a bronchodilator and a corticosteroid. The bronchodilator (salmeterol) dilates your airways and helps you breathe more easily. The corticosteroid (fluticasone) prevents asthma symptoms by reducing swelling and irritation in your airways. Both ingredients are effective in preventing asthma symptoms, but they are not suitable for treating acute symptoms. If you experience acute symptoms or an asthma attack, you need to use your reliever inhaler immediately.

To use the Seretide inhaler, follow these steps carefully:

1. Open the inhaler and use the thumb of one hand to push the thumb grip as far to one side as possible. This will open a hole in the mouthpiece. Once you have turned it far enough, you will hear a clicking noise.
2. Slide the lever as far back as possible, while holding the inhaler with the mouthpiece pointing towards you. This will cause one dose to be deposited in the mouthpiece. You will hear a clicking noise, which indicates your inhaler is ready for use.
3. To take your inhalation, hold the inhaler at a distance and breathe out as far as you can. Do not breathe into the inhaler as you do so. Take the mouthpiece between your lips and breathe in, taking a deep long breath. Then hold your breath for approximately 10 seconds before breathing out slowly.
4. Rinse your mouth with water to reduce the risk of side effects (for example thrush and a hoarse voice).
5. Slide the thumb grip back to its original position to close the inhaler. You will hear a clicking noise as the inhaler closes.

How often you need to use your Seretide inhaler depends on your condition and how effective your treatment proves. Your GP will tell you how often you need to use Seretide and how many inhalations you need to take each time. The most common dosage is 1 inhalation twice a day, 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening.

Your GP will adjust the number of inhalations if your condition improves or worsens. Always speak to your GP if you notice a change in your symptoms or feel that your treatment is not effective enough.

Seretide diskus contains 50 micrograms salmeterol and depending on the dosage, 100, 250 or 500 micrograms fluticasone propionate. It also contains lactose monohydrate. The amount of lactose in Seretide does not usually cause problems for lactose intolerant patients.

Some patients experience side effects when using Seretide. The most common side effect of Seretide is a headache. It affects 1 in 10 Seretide users.

Other common side effects include:

• thrush (fungal infection) in the mouth
• throat irritation
• hoarse voice
• sore tongue
• muscle cramps
• join aches and swellings
• muscle pain

For a full list of all known Seretide side effects and cautions, please read the patient leaflet supplied with your inhaler.

Do not use Seretide inhaler if you are allergic to salmeterol xinafoate, fluticasone propionate or lactose monohydrate.

• heart disease
• diabetes
• overactive thyroid gland
• high blood pressure
• tuberculosis
• low potassium levels in your blood
• pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding

Seretide can interact with some types of medication. Tell your doctor if you are currently taking or have recently taken any other prescription or non-prescription medication.

Seretide is known to interact with:

• beta-blockers (used to treat high blood pressure)
• certain antiviral and antifungal medicines
• corticosteroids (tablets or injections)