Drug Name

Serevent (Salmeterol)

Drug Uses

Serevent Diskus is used for long-term treatment of asthma. It may be used to prevent breathing problems in certain patients, including patients with nighttime asthma, or breathing problems caused by exercise. It may be used for long-term treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Serevent as directed by your doctor.

• Always activate and use this device in a level, horizontal position. Do not try to use a spacer device with Serevent.
• To prepare the device for use, open the protective foil pouch and remove the inhaler device. Hold the device in one hand. Use the thumb of the opposite hand to push the thumb-grip as far away from you as it will go. The mouthpiece will appear and snap into position.
• Hold the device in a level, flat position with the mouthpiece towards you. Use your thumb to slide the lever away from you as far as it will go. You should hear a click. The device is now ready for use.
• Do not close or tilt the device, play with the lever, or move the lever more than once. You may accidentally release or waste a dose.
• Close the device when you are finished taking a dose. Slide the thumb-grip back towards you as far as it will go. The device will click shut, and the lever will return to its original position.
• Serevent delivers your dose as a very fine powder. Most, but not all, patients can taste or feel it. Even if you cannot feel it, do not use more than the recommended dose. If you are not sure if you are receiving your dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you are using Serevent to prevent breathing problems caused by exercise, use it at least 30 minutes before you start to exercise. Do not use another dose for at least 12 hours. If you already use Serevent twice daily on a regular basis, do NOT take an extra dose before you exercise.
• Discard the inhaler 6 weeks after removing it from the protective foil pouch or after all the blisters have been used, whichever comes first.
• Never wash the mouthpiece or any other part of the inhaler. Keep it dry and always store it in a dry place.
• Continue to use Serevent even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Serevent.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Serevent is a long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator. It widens the airways in the lungs, which helps you breathe more easily.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Serevent, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Serevent at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store Serevent away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Throw Serevent away 6 weeks after it is removed from the foil pouch. Keep Serevent out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Serevent if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Serevent;
• you are having an asthma attack (eg, sudden severe onset or worsening of asthma symptoms such as chest tightness, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing).

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Serevent Diskus . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have had a severe allergic reaction to milk protein
• if you have a history of liver problems, diabetes, heart problems (eg, fast or irregular heartbeat, heart blood vessel problems), high blood pressure, low blood potassium levels, seizures, an adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma), or an overactive thyroid
• if you have recently been to an emergency room for asthma, have a history of frequent hospitalizations for asthma, or have ever had a life-threatening asthma attack
• if you have had an unusual reaction to a sympathomimetic medicine (eg, albuterol, pseudoephedrine), such as fast or irregular heartbeat, overexcitement, or severe trouble sleeping
• if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) or a tricyclic antidepressant (eg, amitriptyline), or you have taken any of these medicines within the last 14 days

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Serevent Diskus . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), macrolide antibiotics (eg, clarithromycin), nefazodone, or telithromycin because the risk of fast or irregular heartbeat may be increased
• Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of low blood potassium or irregular heartbeat may be increased
• Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors (eg, entacapone), long-acting beta-agonists (eg, fluticasone/salmeterol, formoterol), MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because they may increase the risk of Serevent Diskus 's side effects
• Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol) because they may decrease Serevent Diskus 's effectiveness or worsen your condition

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Headache; nasal or sinus congestion; nervousness; stuffy nose; throat irritation; tremor.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat; unusual hoarseness); chest pain; choking; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; new or worsening asthma symptoms (eg, coughing, increased chest tightness, shortness of breath, or wheezing); overexcitement; severe or persistent headache or dizziness; severe or persistent muscle pain or cramps.

More Information

Serevent is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.