Seretide MDI

Generic Name: Fluticasone propionate and Salmeterol xinafoate
Product Name: Seretide MDI

Indication

Seretide MDI (Metered Dose Inhaler) is used for maintenance treatment of asthma, a disease of the airways and lungs characterised by shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and cough.

In addition, Seretide MDI may be used for the symptomatic treatment of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a long-term condition of the lungs, due to chronic bronchitis or emphysema, that causes shortness of breath, cough, chest discomfort and sputum production.

Action

Seretide MDI contains two active medicines, fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate.

• Fluticasone propionate reduces the swelling and irritation occuring in the lungs in COPD and asthma
• Salmeterol xinafoate dilates the airways in the lungs to keep them open, allowing easier breathing

These effects can last up to 12 hours after the dose. When both are taken regularly as directed, there should be improvements in your breathing and fewer acute attacks.

Dose advice

Your doctor will prescribe the most suitable dose for you.

• It is important you notify your doctor if you are planning to become or are currently pregnant (Seretide is ADEC Pregnancy Category B3) or breastfeeding.
• It is also important you notify your doctor if you have any health condition, as your doctor may need to examine the risks and benefits of using this medication for you.
• Inhale the dose at the same time each day to obtain the best effect, and to help you remember.
• The usual dose is two inhalations twice daily.
• Keep in mind that this MDI will not help you relieve an acute attack, so do not use it for that purpose. You will need to use other medications for acute relief, such as a ventolin.
• After using Seretide MDI, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out.

Seretide MDI is only available via prescription from your doctor.

Schedule

Schedule 4

Common side effects

All medicines have side effects. Some side effects can be serious, but the most common ones are mild. If you experience or are concerned about any of these side effects, speak to your doctor. Common side effects occurring in more than 1% of patients prescribed seretide MDI include:

• Hoarseness
• Headache
• Soreness of the throat or tongue
• Muscle cramps
• Increased heart rate

Uncommon side effects

Uncommon side effects occur in less than 1% of patients. Do not be alarmed by this list. A patient will not necessarily experience any of these:

• Allergic reaction
• Rounded face
• Loss of bone density
• Cataracts, glaucoma
• Slowing of growth in children

Consult your doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms, or any other unusual or abnormal symptoms that concern you.

References

1. Australian Medicines Handbook. Fluticasone. [Monograph online]AMH Pty Ltd 2007. [Cited December 24, 2007]. Available from: http://www.amh.net.au
2. Australian Medicines Handbook. Salmeterol. [Monograph online]AMH Pty Ltd 2007. [Cited December —, 2007]. Available from: http://www.amh.net.au
3. Seretide. MIMS Online. [Monograph online] MIMS Australia Pty Ltd 2007. [Cited December 24, 2007]. Available from: http://www.mims/com.au
4. Lazo, J, Gilman A, Brunton L, Parker K. Goodman & Gilman’s the pharmacological basis of therapeutics.11th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2005

For further information talk to your doctor.