Serevent 25mcg Inhaler CFC Free (Salmeterol)

Serevent general information

What is Serevent used for?

Serevent inhaler is a long-acting bronchodilator that is used to treat and manage asthma and to help relieve symptoms like wheezing, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath. Serevent inhaler is also used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis. Because Serevent inhaler works with a slow onset and long duration of action, it is particularly suitable for managing exercise induced asthma and nocturnal symptoms in asthma (such as night time cough). Serevent inhaler can be used with or without inhaled corticosteroids, (a “preventer” asthma medication), but is not intended for use as a "rescue" or “reliever” medication, because of its slower onset of action (10 to 20 minutes). Serevent inhaler does not act fast enough to help with an asthma attack and it should not be used to relieve acute asthmatic symptoms, for which a faster acting (within 5 minutes) inhaled bronchodilator (e.g. salbutamol) should be given.

How does Serevent work?

Serevent inhaler contains the long-acting bronchodilator salmeterol xinafoate, which has the same mechanism of action as other "shorter-acting" medications reliever medications like Salbutamol, but does not begin working immediately and has a longer duration of action. Salmeterol is a β2 agonist that acts on the small airways of the lungs (bronchioles) and works as bronchodilator by relaxing the muscles in the walls of the bronchioles, to widen the airways. This reduces bronchospasm (constriction of the airways) relieving symptoms of asthma such as tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath, and because it is long-acting Serevent inhaler provides relief for up to 12 hours.

What does Serevent contain?

Serevent inhaler contains the active ingredient salmeterol xinafoate, which is a long-acting bronchodilator that relieves bronchospasm. It also contains the non-CFC propellant norflurane (also known as HFA 134a or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), which delivers 25 mcg salmeterol as an aerosol into your lungs each time your actuate (press down) your inhaler. Each inhaler contains at least 120 actuations.

What Serevent inhalers are available?

Serevent is available in two forms:

• Serevent Inhaler (CFC Free): 25 mcg/actuation (inhalation); delivers your medication as an aerosol and contains 120 doses.
• Serevent Inhaler: 50mcg/acutation (inhalation), which delivers your medication as a dry powder and contains 60 doses.

Treating asthma with Serevent

Serevent inhaler (CFC Free) contains the long-acting bronchodilator salmeterol xinafoate, which has the same mechanism of action as other shorter-acting “reliever” medications like salbutamol, but does not begin working immediately and has a longer duration of action. Salmeterol is a β2 agonist that acts on the small airways of the lungs (bronchioles) and works as bronchodilator by relaxing the muscles to widen the airways. This reduces bronchospasm (constriction of the airways) relieving symptoms of asthma such as tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath and because it is long-acting Serevent inhaler provides relief for up to 12 hours. Serevent inhaler is usually combined with taking an inhaled corticosteroid or “preventer”, which is an anti-inflammatory asthma medication for long-term asthma management.

Serevent for bronchospasm

Serevent inhaler (CFC Free) contains the long-acting bronchodilator salmeterol xinafoate, which has the same mechanism of action as other shorter-acting “reliever” medications like salbutamol, but does not begin working immediately and has a longer duration of action. Salmeterol is a β2 agonist that acts on the small airways of the lungs (bronchioles) and works as bronchodilator by relaxing the muscles to widen the airways. This reduces bronchospasm (constriction of the airways) relieving symptoms such as tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath that occur in asthma and other obstructive lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis, for up to 12 hours. Serevent inhaler can be used on its own or with other medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid or “preventer” which is an anti-inflammatory asthma medication for long-term asthma management. Serevent inhaler should not be used as a “reliever” or “rescue” medication if you are having an asthma attack, as it does not work fast enough.

What are the side effects of Serevent?

Servent Inhaler (CFC-Free) is generally well tolerated but it is always possible that you may experience side effects such as, headache, tachycardia (rapid heart beat), tremor (shaky or tense feeling), palpitations, mouth or throat irritation and muscle cramps.

When should Serevent not be used?

You should not use Serevent if you:

• are allergic to salbutamol or any of the other ingredients in your Serevent inhaler
• are pregnant or breast feeding, without discussion with your doctor
• are using β-blocking agents, such as propranolol, or ketoconazole for fungal infections

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 Serevent be taken?

The number of puffs you take of your Serevent inhaler each day should be as recommended by your doctor, usually 2 puffs (inhalations) twice a day, morning and evening. This dose may be increased for severe asthma but you should not take more puffs than recommended by your doctor as this will increase risk of side effects. You should feel full benefit after the first few doses and the effect last up to 12 hours. You should not stop taking your Serevent inhaler, even if you feel better.

How to use your Serevent inhaler

Follow the instruction provided with your Serevent 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 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.

Should you take Serevent with other asthma inhalers?

Serevent inhaler is usually combined with taking an inhaled corticosteroid or “preventer”, which is an anti-inflammatory asthma medication for long-term asthma management. Serevent inhaler is not a replacement for other asthma medication such as inhaled or oral corticosteroids and you should continue taking your existing medication, as prescribed by your doctor, when you start taking Serevent inhaler.

How many puffs to take from your Serevent inhaler?

How many puffs (inhalations) you take from your Serevent inhaler 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 one or two puffs twice a day, morning and evening. Serevent inhaler is a metered dose inhaler, which delivers exactly one dose per actuation (inhalation).

Should you take Serevent with other asthma inhalers?

Serevent inhaler is usually combined with taking an inhaled corticosteroid or “preventer”, which is an anti-inflammatory asthma medication for long-term asthma management. Serevent inhaler is not a replacement for other asthma medication such as inhaled or oral corticosteroids and you should continue taking your existing medication, as prescribed by your doctor, when you start taking Serevent inhaler.

How long should you take Serevent?

You should take your Serevent inhaler regularly for as long as is recommended by your doctor.

Missed dose of Serevent

If you miss a dose of Serevent 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 Serevent be stored?

Your Serevent Inhaler (CFC-Free) should be stored below 30°C. Protect your inhaler from frost, it will not work properly if it gets cold and keep away from direct sunlight. Always replace the mouthpiece cover when you are not using your inhaler.