Serevent Diskus (Salmeterol)

Serevent Diskus (salmeterol) is a long-acting bronchodilator used to help prevent breathing problems in people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, keeping them open for up to 12 hours. It can also be used to prevent breathing problems caused by exercise in people aged 4 and older.

Directions

Serevent Diskus is used by breathing the medicine in through the mouth. Hold the device flat and level when using it.

For adults and children ages 4 and older with asthma, the usual dose is one inhalation (50 mcg) twice a day, about 12 hours apart. For people with COPD, the dose is the same: one inhalation twice daily.

Serevent Diskus is approved for asthma only when used together with an inhaled corticosteroid. It should not be used by itself and is not for quick relief during an asthma attack or sudden breathing problems. After each dose, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out.

Each Diskus contains 60 doses. A counter shows how many doses are left. When the numbers turn red (from 5 to 0), you should refill your prescription. Throw the device away when it shows “0.”

Do not use more than prescribed or take extra doses if symptoms get worse. If your symptoms are not well controlled, contact a healthcare provider.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Serevent is salmeterol.

Cautions

Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:

• Any existing health conditions
• Any allergies
• A list of all medications currently being taken

Serevent should never be used alone to treat asthma since using it without an inhaled corticosteroid can increase the risk of asthma-related death. It should only be added when asthma is not well controlled on an inhaled steroid.

Children and teens are at higher risk if Serevent is used without a steroid inhaler. For this reason, combination inhalers are usually preferred to make sure both treatments are taken consistently.

Serevent is not a rescue inhaler and should not be used for sudden breathing problems.

Using more than the prescribed dose or combining Serevent with other long-acting beta-agonist inhalers can cause dangerous side effects, including serious heart problems. Only one long-acting beta-agonist medication should be used at a time.

In rare cases, Serevent can cause breathing to suddenly worsen instead of improve, which can be life-threatening. If this happens, the medication should be stopped immediately and treated with a fast-acting rescue inhaler.

Heart-related side effects such as a fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, tremors, nervousness, or trouble sleeping can occur, especially at higher doses or in people with heart conditions. Medical advice should be sought if these symptoms appear.

Certain medications, especially strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like some antibiotics or antifungal drugs, can increase the risk of side effects when taken with Serevent. A healthcare provider should review all medications before starting treatment.

Serevent should be used cautiously in people with seizure disorders, thyroid disease, or diabetes, since it may worsen these conditions. It can also temporarily decrease potassium levels or increase blood sugar in some people.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

• Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma or COPD where intensive measures are required
• Hypersensitivity to salmeterol or any ingredients in Serevent Diskus, including severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins

Side Effects

Common side effects of Serevent Diskus include:

• Headache
• Throat irritation
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Cough
• Bronchitis or other respiratory infections
• Flu-like symptoms
• Muscle or joint pain (more common in COPD)

These side effects are related to the long-acting bronchodilator effects of Serevent and are often mild.

More serious side effects can include sudden breathing problems right after inhalation, heart-related effects such as fast or irregular heartbeat or chest pain, and nervous system effects like tremor or nervousness.

Severe allergic reactions, changes in blood sugar levels, or low potassium levels have also been reported.