Seretide

Seretide is a combination inhaler that contains two active ingredients: fluticasone propionate and salmeterol. It can be used to treat asthma and COPD. It is a preventer inhaler, meaning it helps keep symptoms in control and prevents flare-ups.

Seretide is available in two forms: a 50 mcg aerosol (Evohaler) and a 100 mcg dry powder (Accuhaler) inhaler.

The combination of fluticasone and salmeterol offers effective symptom management for asthma and COPD.

• Fluticasone (a corticosteroid) helps reduce swelling and irritation in the airways, which helps keep flare-ups at bay and prevents asthma attacks.
• Salmeterol (a long-acting beta2-agonist) works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, allowing them to stay open. This helps you breathe easier.

Together these active ingredients work to improve breathing and lung function and reduce the frequency of symptoms in the long-term.

Fluticasone and salmeterol combination inhalers have been widely studied in clinical trials and have been proven effective in the treatment of moderate to severe asthma and COPD.

A 12-week study observed patients who switched from their previous inhaler to a fluticasone and salmeterol inhaler. The study results showed that:

• After 12 weeks of treatment, the participants’ asthma control scores had improved significantly: 83.6% of patients had well-controlled asthma, an over 70% improvement from the baseline
• Treatment significantly improved lung function in patients with asthma or COPD
• Patients found the inhalers easy to use and incorporate into everyday life

To be prescribed Symbicort from 121doc, you must be over the age of 18 and have been diagnosed with moderate to severe asthma or COPD that cannot be controlled with a steroid-only inhaler alone.

You need to use Seretide correctly for it to work effectively. You should also follow the asthma management plan as instructed by your doctor or asthma nurse.

How to use Seretide depends on the type of your inhaler. To use a Seretide Evohaler, follow the instructions below.

How to use Seretide Evohaler
	Sit upright and shake the inhaler 4-5 times. Hold the inhaler upright with your thumb on the base.
	Hold the Evohaler away from your mouth and breathe out as far as is comfortable - do not breathe in again until you are ready to take the medicine.
	Place the mouthpiece gently between your teeth and close your lips. Then, as you start to breathe in, press down on the top of the canister to release a puff of the medicine.
	Keep holding your breath and take the inhaler from your mouth. Continue holding your breath for as long as it is comfortable.
	If you need to take another dose, wait 30 seconds and repeat these steps. When you are done, replace the cover.

To use Seretide Accuhaler, follow the steps below.

How to use Seretide Accuhaler
	To prepare a dose, slide the lever by pushing down the thumbgrip until you hear a click.
	Hold the Accuhaler away from your mouth and breathe out as far as is comfortable - do not breathe in again before you are ready to take the medicine.
	Inhale deeply and steadily through the mouthpiece (not through your nose).
	Remove the Accuhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for about 10 seconds before breathing out slowly.
	To close the inhaler, slide the thumbgrip back towards you until you hear a click. This will reset the Accuhaler.

You may notice some improvement in your symptoms within a few days of starting Seretide, but it typically takes up to 1-2 weeks to experience its full benefits.

Seretide is intended for long-term management of asthma or COPD symptoms. Do not stop using it unless your doctor decides to prescribe you a different inhaler.

Like all medications, Seretide inhalers can cause some side effects. However, they are generally mild and rarely serious.

Common side effects of Seretide include:

• oral thrush
• throat irritation and hoarseness
• cough
• headache
• palpitations (fast heartbeat) or tremors
• muscle cramps
• joint pain

If you experience any severe or worrying side effects, such as an increase in shortness of breath after using the inhaler, or swelling of the face or mouth or other signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention straight away.

To read more about the potential side effects of Seretide, refer to the patient information leaflet.

Yes. Seretide is a preventer inhaler and Ventolin (salbutamol) is a reliever. Most people are prescribed a reliever inhaler alongside their daily preventer. You only use Ventolin if your symptoms flare up suddenly.

No. Seretide is intended for long-term symptom prevention, and it is not suitable for immediate symptom relief. You should always carry a reliever (rescue) inhaler, such as Ventolin, with you in case of an asthma attack.

No. Fluticasone propionate is one of the active ingredients in Seretide, alongside salmeterol. On its own, a fluticasone inhaler (such as Flixotide) can be used to treat inflammation in the airways. Fluticasone can also be used to treat nasal allergies or, topically, skin conditions like psoriasis.

No, Seretide is only available with a prescription. Safety is our number one priority at 121doc. For this reason, our doctors will only prescribe this asthma treatment to you if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects