Seretide Inhaler

Seretide Inhalers are used for the regular treatment of asthma in adults, adolescents and children aged 4 years and over, where use of a combination product (bronchodilator and inhaled corticosteroid) is appropriate. There are two types, pressurised metered dose inhalers (evohaler) and dry powder inhalers (accuhaler).

Seretide inhaler contains fluticasone, a steroid, that blocks the production of inflammatory chemicals released into the airways in response to the asthma trigger e.g. allergens or airborne irritants. Inflammation is one of the underlying causes of asthma along with bronchospasm, which is constriction or narrowing of the bronchioles (small airways). This helps to prevent asthma symptoms caused by inflamed airways such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Salmeterol, the other active ingredient helps to relax the airways long term, improving breathing.

To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and oral yeast infections from developing, gargle, rinse your mouth with water and spit out after each use. Do not swallow the rinse water.

1. To remove the mouthpiece cover, hold between the thumb and forefinger, squeeze gently and pull apart as shown.
Check inside and outside to make sure that the mouthpiece is clean, and that there are no foreign objects.
Testing Your Inhaler: If the inhaler is new or if it has not been used for three days or more, one puff should be released into the air to make sure that it works.

2. Hold the inhaler upright as shown, with your thumb on the base, below the mouthpiece.
Breathe out as far as is comfortable.

3. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth between your teeth and close your lips around it but do not bite it.

4. Just after starting to breathe in through your mouth press down on the top of the inhaler to release a puff while still breathing in steadily and deeply

5. Hold your breath; take the inhaler from your mouth and your finger from the top of the inhaler.
Continue holding your breath for a few seconds or as long as is comfortable. Breathe out slowly.

6. If you are to take another puff, keep the inhaler upright and wait about half a minute before repeating steps 2 to 5.

7. After use always replace the mouthpiece cover to keep out dust and fluff. Replace firmly, snap into position and check the dose indicator.

Important: Do not rush steps 2, 3, 4 and 5.

It is important that you start to breathe in as slowly as possible just before operating the inhaler. Practice in front of a mirror for the first few times.

Like all medicines, Seretide can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

If you notice an immediate increase in wheezing, shortness of breath and cough straight after using your inhaler, stop using Seretide and use a quick-acting ‘reliever’ inhaler immediately. Contact your doctor straightaway. Your doctor will review your asthma and may change your treatment and may prescribe a different inhaler to treat your asthma.

The following side effects have been reported. Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you suffer from any of these side effects but do not stop treatment unless told to do so. Your doctor will try to prevent these effects by prescribing Seretide in the lowest dose possible to control your asthma.

Very Common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):

• Thrush in the mouth and throat. This is more likely if the daily dose taken is greater than 400 micrograms. Thrush can be treated with anti-fungal medicines whilst you continue to use Seretide. Brushing your teeth, or thoroughly rinsing your mouth with water immediately after each dose may help prevent thrush.

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Hoarse voice or a sore throat or tongue. Using a Volumatic spacer device or rinsing your mouth with water immediately after using your inhaler may help prevent this.

If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Reporting of any side effects

If you get any side effects talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the YellowCard Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.