Before using Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) 500/50mcg, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) 500/50mcg, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high blood pressure, brittle bones (osteoporosis), depression, diabetes, eye problems (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma), heart problems (e.g., angina, irregular heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), any recent infection, liver problems, low potassium levels (hypokalemia), seizures, smoking, thyroid problems (e.g., overactive thyroid).
This product may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Avoid contact with people who have chickenpox or measles unless you have previously had these diseases (e.g., in childhood). If you are exposed to one of these infections and you have not previously had it, seek immediate medical attention.
If you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, or if you have been using this product for an extended time and suddenly stop using it, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids, especially if your body is stressed due to a major infection, surgery, or injury. Deaths have sometimes occurred during such stresses due to low steroid levels. Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: unusual weakness, sudden weight loss, dizziness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and inform them that you use (or have used) any type of corticosteroid. Consult your doctor or pharmacist now for advice regarding future stress situations. You may need to carry a supply of corticosteroid tablets as a precaution. Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your need for oral corticosteroids during times of stress as noted. (See also Medical Alert section.)
Caution is advised when using Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) 500/50mcg in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially dizziness and the effects on the heart.
Caution is advised when using Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) 500/50mcg in children. Though it is unlikely to occur with inhaled steroids, Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) 500/50mcg may temporarily slow down a child's rate of growth, but it will probably not affect final adult height. Monitor your child's height periodically.
During pregnancy, Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) 500/50mcg should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known if salmeterol or fluticasone pass into breast milk. Based on information for similar drugs, fluticasone may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store the U.S. product at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not remove the device from its original foil package until ready to use. Discard the device 1 month after you remove it from the original foil package or after the dose indicator reads "0," whichever comes first.
For the Canadian product, the manufacturer recommends not storing it above 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). Keep away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep the device closed when not in use.
Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Read the Medication Guide available from your pharmacist before you start using salmeterol/fluticasone and each time you get a refill. Refer to the illustrated directions provided by the manufacturer for directions on how to use this device. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Always activate and use this device in a level, horizontal position.
Inhale Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) 500/50mcg by mouth, usually twice daily in the morning and the evening (12 hours apart), or use as directed by your doctor. You may or may not taste/feel the drug when you inhale. Either is normal. Never exhale into the device. Do not use with a spacer. Never wash the mouthpiece or any part of the device. Do not take the inhaler apart.
Gargle and rinse your mouth with water after using Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) 500/50mcg to help prevent dryness and mouth infections (e.g., thrush) and relieve throat irritation. Do not swallow the rinse water.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) 500/50mcg regularly to receive the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not use it more than prescribed or use more than 1 inhalation twice daily since this may increase the risk of side effects.
Do not stop taking Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) 500/50mcg or change your dose without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
If you have been using a quick-relief inhaler (e.g., albuterol) on a regular daily schedule (such as 4 times daily), you must stop this schedule and only use it as needed for sudden shortness of breath/asthma attacks. Consult your doctor for details.
If Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) 500/50mcg stops working well, or you need to use your quick-relief inhaler more often than usual (4 or more puffs daily or use of more than 1 inhaler every 8 weeks), seek immediate medical attention. It may be a sign of worsening asthma, which is a serious condition.
It may take 1 week or longer before the full benefit of Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) 500/50mcg takes effect. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Hoarseness, throat irritation, headache, rapid heartbeat, nervousness, cough, dry mouth/throat, or upset stomach may occur.
To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) 500/50mcg because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) 500/50mcg do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: white patches on tongue/in mouth, increased thirst/urination, persistent weight gain, vision problems (e.g., blurred vision), shaking, severe muscle cramping.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, seizures.
An allergic reaction to Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) 500/50mcg is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Rarely, Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) 500/50mcg has caused severe (rarely fatal), sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma (paradoxical bronchospasm). If you have trouble breathing or experience sudden wheezing, use your quick-relief inhaler and seek immediate medical attention.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Click HERE to learn more about Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) 500/50mcg, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) 500/50mcg should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: natalizumab.
Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before, during, and after treatment with Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) 500/50mcg. In some cases a serious, possibly fatal drug interaction may occur.
If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product.
Before using Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) 500/50mcg, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: aldesleukin, amphotericin B, other asthma drugs (e.g., quick-relief inhalers), beta blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol), corticosteroids taken by mouth (e.g., dexamethasone, prednisone), HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir), inhaled anesthetics (e.g., halothane), drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Diskus) 500/50mcg from your body (such as azole antifungals including itraconazole, macrolide antibiotics including erythromycin, cimetidine, rifamycins including rifabutin, St. John's wort, certain anti-seizure medicines including carbamazepine), mifepristone, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline), "water pills"/diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide).
Other drugs besides this product which may affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation in the EKG) include dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, amiodarone, quinidine, sotalol, and erythromycin, among others. QTc prolongation can infrequently result in serious (rarely fatal) irregular heartbeats. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details and for instructions on how you may minimize the risk of this effect.
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.