What is Advair / Seretide?
Seretide contains two types of drugs: Fluticasone Propionate (a synthetic corticosteroid) and Salmeterol Xinafoate (a long-acting bronchodilator). They work in different ways in the lungs to improve lung function and symptoms in patients with asthma. Fluticasone Propionate is used to reduce airway inflammation, while Salmeterol helps prevent bronchospasms and airway constriction, making breathing easier.
This medication is available in three different strengths and two forms:
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50/100
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50/250
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50/500
These three strengths are available either as a diskus (inhaler) or as an inhaler. The Seretide diskus delivers the dose as a very fine powder that most patients can taste or feel.
When is this medication used as a prescription?
Seretide has been used as a continuous treatment for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
What should I know before taking Advair?
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Do not use Seretide to relieve sudden symptoms of shortness of breath (e.g., sudden acute worsening, cough, or chest tightness).
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A short-acting bronchodilator inhaler such as Ventolin should be used to relieve sudden shortness of breath, not Seretide.
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Do not stop taking Seretide without talking to your doctor. Stopping medications like Seretide can lead to rapid worsening of your symptoms.
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Do not use the medication more than twice daily, morning and evening, approximately 12 hours apart, based on the prescribed dose of one inhalation each time.
What are the side effects of this drug?
Some common side effects reported by patients taking Seretide include:
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Ear, nose, and throat inflammation or irritation
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Lower respiratory tract infection
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Headache and dizziness
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Stomach upset
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Muscle pain or cramps
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Faster than normal heartbeat
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Tremors or nervousness
What should I do while using this drug?
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Do not use a second form of Salmeterol (e.g., Serevent) or a similar inhaled bronchodilator such as formoterol unless coordinated with your doctor.
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Fluticasone and Salmeterol can reduce blood cells that help your body fight infections.
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Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections.
What happens if I miss a dose of Seretide?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to directions. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Can I use Seretide during pregnancy?
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There are no fully accurate data regarding the effect of this drug on human pregnancy.
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It is recommended to use Advair during pregnancy only when the benefits significantly outweigh the risks.
Can I use Advair while breastfeeding?
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There are no data on the excretion of Fluticasone or Salmeterol in human milk.
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The manufacturer recommends, due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made to stop breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
