How it works
Who we are
Help Centre
- Asthma reliever
- Opens up airways
- Salmeterol & Fluticasone
Seretide Accuhaler
Seretide Accuhaler contains two medicines, salmeterol and fluticasone. Salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator. Bronchodilators help the airways in the lungs to stay open. This makes it easier for air to get in and out. Fluticasone propionate is a corticosteroid that reduces swelling and irritation in the lungs.
About Seretide Accuhaler
What is a Seretide Accuhaler?
Seretide is a combination inhaler, it contains two medicines
- Corticosteroid-Fluticasone propionate
- Bronchodilator- Salmeterol xinafoate
It is used to reduce inflammation in the lungs and free up the airways in conditions such as asthma and COPD. The inhaler is used as a preventer.
How does Seretide work?
It has three primary mechanisms of action.
Suppresses mucus:
Salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator, can suppress mucus, since it speeds up the motion of cilia in the lungs.
Reduces inflammation:
Fluticasone a corticosteroid acts to combat inflammation in the airways by blocking the release of chemicals that induce inflammation, rendering the airways more responsive.
Relax smooth muscles:
Salmeterol xinafoate in Seretide helps to relax muscles in the airways and lungs, it is long acting (upto 12 hours) and helps to maintain asthma symptoms under check. Its long duration of action provides stability and helps control symptoms in those struggling with other asthma treatments.
What are the benefits of using Seretide?
The benefits of Seretide include:
- It acts fast; people using Seretide inhalers will feel the advantage of better breathing on the very first day of care.
- It opens the airways and lasts up to 12 hours, often helping to minimise inflammation of the lungs.
- It Includes salmeterol and fluticasone that reduce bronchial (airway) inflammation.
- Seretide has been shown to reduce the possible need for oral steroids.
- Seretide ensures 24-hour monitoring of your asthma, better breathing, decreased wheezing and less need to depend on your “blue” inhaler.
- People using Seretide inhalers will feel the advantage of better breathing on the very first day of care.
Types of Seretide Inhalers
Difference between the Seretide Evohaler and Accuhaler?
Seretide is available as two types of inhalers, an Evohaler and an Accuhaler.
Seretide Evohaler
- The active ingredients are in a sealed canister, which ought to be pushed down when you inhale.
- The inhaler sprays the medicine in the airways.
- It is often referred to as an MDI or aerosol inhaler.
Seretide Accuhaler
- It is a dry powder inhaler that does not require any pressing and is therefore ideal for patients who have difficulty pressing down an inhaler.
- Has a built-in counter, easy to keep track of how many doses are remaining.
How to use Seretide Accuhalers
The dosage prescribed by your physicians would primarily rely on your wellbeing, the intensity of your symptoms and body tolerance. Ideally, you should be shown how to use the inhalers appropriately by a qualified healthcare professional such as a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Further information regarding the use of Seretide inhalers is found in the patient information leaflet.
Seretide Evohaler
The doses of 25 mcg (salmeterol)/50 mcg (fluticasone propionate), 25 mcg/125 mcg and 25 mcg/250 mcg will all be given just twice daily. The inhaler is efficient when used properly. This inhaler requires coordination whilst pressing down on the canister.
Seretide Accuhaler
This form of inhaler is a better fit for those who may not wish to use a spacer for their inhaler. This also offers a breath-activated solution and includes a dosage monitor such that the patient can maintain track of how many doses remain in the system.
The Accuhaler is available in three different doses:
- 50 mcg (salmeterol) / 100 mcg (fluticasone propionate),
- 50mcg / 250 mcg and
- 50 mcg / 500 mcg doses which should be taken twice a day
Your doctor will decide what dosage is most appropriate for you. Do not increase your dose without your doctor’s recommendation. Do not take a double dosage to make up for the missing dosage.
Side effects & precautions
Warnings for special patient groups
For people with heart problems, including high blood pressure
This drug may cause chest pain, high or low blood pressure, fast heart rate, and irregular heart rhythms. If you have heart problems, you may be at greater risk. Let your doctor know if you have heart disease.
For people with seizures
This drug may cause seizures. Let your doctor know if you have a seizure disorder.
For people with thyroid problems
Thyroid problems may make your body process this drug differently. Your doctor may need to change your dosage.
For people with diabetes
This drug may increase your blood sugar levels.
For people with liver problems
This drug is processed by your liver. If your liver doesn’t work well, more of this medication will stay in your body longer. This puts you at increased risk of side effects. Your doctor will watch you closely while you take this drug.
For people with osteoporosis (weak bones)
This drug can cause decreased bone strength. If you have risk factors for osteoporosis, your doctor will watch you closely to make sure that this medication is safe for you.
For pregnant women
Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking this drug, call your doctor right away. Pregnant women with asthma should be closely monitored. Your doctor should adjust your medication as needed to control your asthma symptoms.
For women who are breastfeeding
It isn’t known if this drug passes into breast milk. If it does, it may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child.
Drug Interactions
Fluticasone/salmeterol inhalation powder can interact with other medications.
Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with fluticasone/salmeterol are listed below.
Antibiotics
Taking antibiotics with fluticasone/salmeterol may increase the amount of fluticasone/salmeterol in your body. This may cause more side effects. Examples of these drugs include:
- clarithromycin
- telithromycin
- chloramphenicol
Antifungal drugs
Taking certain antifungal drugs with fluticasone/salmeterol may increase the amount of fluticasone/salmeterol in your body. This may cause more side effects. Examples of these drugs include:
- itraconazole
- ketoconazole
- voriconazole
Depression drugs
Taking certain depression drugs with fluticasone/salmeterol may increase the amount of fluticasone/salmeterol in your body.
High blood pressure and heart drugs
Taking these drugs (beta-blockers) with fluticasone/salmeterol can block the action of salmeterol and cause the vessels in your lungs to tighten or constrict. This may make it harder for you to breathe, or put you at a higher risk of lung spasms or asthma attacks.
Side-effects
Allergy warning
This drug can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:
- skin rash
- hives
- swelling of your face, mouth, and tongue
- breathing problems
If you develop these symptoms, call 999.
Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).
As with all prescription medications, there might be certain side effects.
For all side effects, if they’re mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Common side-effects
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Throat irritation
- Hoarseness, voice changes, and trouble speaking
- Thrush (fungal infections in your mouth or throat)
- Bronchitis
- Cough
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle and bone pain
- Dizziness
Serious side effects
- Pneumonia
- Infections
- Adrenal insufficiency (see patient information leaflet)
- Low blood pressure
- Sudden trouble breathing right after you inhale your medication
- Chest pain
- Low potassium levels. (see patient information leaflet)
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly (see details below). By reporting side-effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
United Kingdom
Yellow Card Scheme
Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
Documentation
Seretide Accuhaler Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)
We’re here to help.
Our friendly team is available to help Monday to Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm.
If you need urgent assistance, do not use this service. Call 111, or in an emergency call 999.