Serevent Accuhaler 50mcg (Salmeterol)

Serevent general information

What is Serevent used for?

Serevent Accuhaler 50mcg (also known as Serevent Diskus) 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 Accuhaler is also used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis. Because Serevent Accuhaler 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 Accuhaler 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 Accuhaler 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 taken.

How does Serevent work?

Serevent Accuhaler 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 beta2-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 Accuhaler provides relief for up to 12 hours.

What does Serevent contain?

Serevent Accuhaler is a moulded plastic device with a foil strip with 60 blisters (or pockets) that contain the active ingredient salmeterol xinafoate 50mcg, a long-acting bronchodilator that relieves bronchospasm, as a dry inhalation powder. It also contains lactose (which contains milk protein). Each blister delivers 50mcg per actuation into your lungs when you inhale and one accuhaler contains at least 60 actuations.

What Serevent inhalers are available?

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

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

Treating asthma with Serevent

Serevent Accuhaler 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 beta2-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 Accuhaler provides relief for up to 12 hours. Serevent Accuhaler is usually combined with an inhaled corticosteroid or “preventer”, which is an anti-inflammatory asthma medication for long-term asthma management.

Should you use Serevent with other asthma inhalers?

Serevent accuhaler is used as a long-acting bronchodilator used to reduce bronchospasm (constriction or narrowing of the bronchioles or small airways) and symptoms of asthma such as tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath; and because it is long-acting Serevent Accuhaler provides relief for up to 12 hours. Your asthma management plan may also include a long-term “preventer” medication to reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways of the lung, to reduce symptoms and exacerbations of asthma, and to improve lung function. Both are intended to be taken together, only if recommended by your doctor. 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.

Serevent for bronchospasm

Serevent Accuhaler 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 beta2-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 Accuhaler 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 Accuhaler 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 Accuhaler 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 Accuhaler if you:

• are allergic to salmeterol or any of the other ingredients in your Serevent Accuhaler
• are pregnant or breast feeding, without discussion with your doctor
• are using beta-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 used?

You should use your Serevent Accuhaler 50mcg according to the instructions provided. The number of inhalations you take of your Serevent Accuhaler each day should be as recommended by your doctor, usually one inhalation twice a day, morning and evening. This dose may be increased for severe asthma but you should not take more inhalations 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 lasts up to 12 hours. You should not stop taking your Serevent accuhaler, even if you feel better.

How to use your Serevent accuhaler

Follow the instructions provided for using your Serevent Accuhaler.

1. Push open the outer case with your thumb and slide the lever until it clicks to release a dose of salmeterol.
2. Breathe out as far as is comfortable and then place the mouthpiece in your mouth and inhale through your mouth.
3. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then breathe normally. Never breathe into your Accuhaler and only slide the lever when you are ready to take a dose. The dose counter will indicate how many doses you have left in you accuhaler.
4. Close the outer case.
5. Rinse your mouth after use.

How many inhalations to take from your Serevent accuhaler?

How many inhalations you take from your Serevent accuhaler 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 inhalation twice a day, morning and evening.

How long should you take Serevent?

You should take your Serevent Accuhaler regularly for as long as is recommended by your doctor. You should not stop taking your Serevent accuhaler, even if you feel better.

Missed dose of Serevent

If you miss a dose of Serevent Accuhaler 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 Accuhaler should be stored below 30°C and keep away from direct sunlight. Keep it closed when not in use.