Serevent Diskus

The active ingredient in Serevent Diskus is salmeterol xinafoate and falls under the drug class of long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA). The mechanism of action ensures it will relax the airway muscles, allowing for easier breathing.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Serevent Diskus. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Serevent Diskus:

For effective usage of this inhaler, follow these instructions:

• Slide the cover until it clicks to reveal the mouthpiece and breathe out fully away from the mouthpiece. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and seal your lips around the mouthpiece.
• Inhale deeply and hold your breath for 10 seconds. After this, breathe out slowly away from the mouthpiece.
• Slide the cover away from you to hide the mouthpiece when you finish using the inhaler.
• This inhaler will typically be used twice daily. In the case of missed doses, skip it and take the next dose at the intended time.

The most common side effects of Serevent Diskus include:

• Headache
• Throat irritation
• Runny nose
• Muscle pain
• Flu symptoms

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Serevent Diskus. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Chest pain or other heart problems, like increased blood pressure and heart rate
• Low potassium or hypokalemia: irregular heartbeats, muscle weakness or muscle cramps, or constipation
• Worsening of asthma symptoms right after using the inhaler (paradoxical bronchospasm)
• Severe allergic reaction: hives or skin rash, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, or swelling in the face or lips
• Hyperglycemia: fruity breath, increased urination and thirst, or dry mouth

These are not all of the possible side effects of Serevent Diskus. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Serevent Diskus, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether any of the following apply:

• High blood pressure (hypertension) or other heart problems
• Thyroid disease
• Know allergy to the medication
• Liver disease
• Diabetes
• Seizure disorder
• Concurrent use with bronchodilators from the same drug class or additional medications that have salmeterol

Boxed Warning

• This inhaler cannot be used as monotherapy for asthma without appropriate inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy, as it can increase the risk of asthma-related death.

• Known allergy to Serevent or any of its inactive ingredients, including milk proteins or lactose
• Known allergy to medications within the same drug class, including formoterol (Perforomist), or arformoterol (Brovana)
• Should not be used when having an asthma attack or sudden breathing problems; instead, a rescue inhaler such as albuterol can be used
• Concurrent usage with Advair, as it contains fluticasone/salmeterol

This inhaler will take about 30 minutes to an hour to begin working.

When Serevent Diskus is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Antibiotics, including clarithromycin or telithromycin
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Antifungal medications, including itraconazole or ketoconazole
• Medications for treating HIV/AIDS, including ritonavir
• Diuretics
• Beta-blockers

The dosage form is a Diskus inhaler that delivers 50 mcg of salmeterol in each inhalation. The recommended dose is 1 inhalation twice daily, 12 hours apart.

This medication should be stored at room temperature and away from the reach of children. It should be kept unopened in the foil pouch and only removed immediately before its first use.

The pharmaceutical company that manufactures Serevent Diskus is GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals.

There are no lower-cost alternatives for the brand-name Serevent Diskus.

This medication does not require tapering; however, if it is concurrently used with ICS therapy, then tapering is required for the steroid component. However, you should never change your dose or stop using this medication without discussing it with your healthcare provider.

There is no information on whether this medication can affect your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is not known if this medication can pass through the breastmilk and affect your baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.