Generic Serevent Diskus, aerosol

Chemical Name: SALMETEROL

Common uses

This medicine is a beta receptor stimulant used to prevent or minimize problems in persons with breathing difficulties including asthma and chronic obstructive disorders of the lungs such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema. It works by opening the air passages in the lungs to improve breathing. It will not stop an asthma attack once one has started. Salmeterol is generally combined with another effective controller-type asthma medicine (such as an inhaled corticosteroid). This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Warning: salmeterol may rarely be associated with serious asthma attacks (potentially fatal). African-american patients and patients prescribed salmeterol when their asthma condition is worsening may have an increased risk of this event. If you find that your fast-acting inhaler is not working as well or if you need to use it more often than usual, such as using 4 or more puffs daily or using more than 1 inhaler every 8 weeks, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This may be a sign of worsening asthma which is a serious condition. Do not suddenly stop using this medicine. Doing so may cause your breathing condition to get worse. Discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Hold the device in a horizontal position. Before using this medicine, breathe out slowly and deeply. Put the mouthpiece between your lips and breathe in forcefully and deeply through your mouth. Remove the device from your mouth. Hold your breath as long as comfortable, then breathe out slowly. Replace the cover when storing this medicine. Do not use this medicine with a spacing device. Store this medicine at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees c), away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose or use this medicine more often than prescribed without checking with your doctor. This medicine will not stop an asthma attack once one has started. If you are also using another bronchodilator inhaler, always carry it with you to use during asthma attacks. If you have questions about which medicines are used to prevent asthma attacks and which medicines stop asthma attacks, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. If you are using other inhalers, wait a few minutes between using this medicine and other inhalers unless otherwise directed.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include headache, tremor, irregular heartbeat, or muscle cramping. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor immediately if you experience worsening of asthma symptoms such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, or coughing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, tremors, seizures, nervousness, sleeplessness, weakness, and dizziness.

Additional information

Always have a spare inhalation device available in case the unit does not work or is empty. Discard this inhalation device 6 weeks after removing it from the moisture-protective foil overwrap pouch or after all blisters have been used, whichever comes first. Keep this device dry. Never wash the device or the mouthpiece. Learn to use a peak flow meter, use it daily, and promptly report worsening asthma (such as readings in the yellow or red range or increased use of quick-relief inhalers).

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. If you will be using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.