Seretide

Advair®/Seretide® contains fluticasone, a steroid that prevents inflammation, and salmeterol, a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles in the bronchial tubes to help breathing. Advair®/Seretide® can be used to consume these improved asthma attacks and help make chronic bronchitis extensible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Seretide HFA strength is equivalent to Advair HFA as follows:

Seretide HFA 125/25mcg = Advair HFA 115/21mcg

Seretide HFA 250/25mcg = Advair HFA 230/21mcg

What is Seretide?

Seretide  is a combination of two agents and belongs to the group of combination drugs. The active substances in Seretide are fluticasone propionate, an anti-inflammatory, and salmeterol, a long-acting bronchodilator. Fluticasone propionate reduces swelling and irritation in the lungs. Salmeterol helps keep the airways in the lungs open. This makes it easier to breathe in and out.

Who is Seretide for?

• Regular maintenance treatment of asthma, when the use of a combination product (long-acting β2-agonist and inhaled corticosteroid) is deemed suitable for patients who
  are either not adequately controlled with an inhaled corticosteroid or a short-acting β2-agonist, which is used “as needed”
  or are already controlled with an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting β2-agonist.
• Symptomatic treatment of patients with COPD (FEV1 < 60% of the predicted normal value, pre-bronchodilator) and a history of repeated exacerbations with significant symptoms, despite regular use of a bronchodilator.

Use Seretide

Seretide is available in (salmeterol µg / fluticasone propionate µg):

• Diskus: 50/100, 50/250 and 50/500
• Inhaler: 50/50, 50/125 and 50/250

Patients should be advised that Seretide must be used daily for optimal effect, even in symptom-free periods. Patients should be under regular medical supervision so that the dosage of Seretide remains optimal and is only changed on the advice of a doctor.

The dosage should be titrated to the lowest possible dosage at which effective control of symptoms is guaranteed. When symptoms are controlled twice daily the lowest available strength of the combination, a test with only the inhaled corticosteroid may be considered as the next step in treatment.

For dosages, method of administration and side effects, you can consult the package inserts.

Are there any Side Effects?

The most common side effects include:

• Hoarseness
• Throat irritation
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Oral thrush

In rare cases, Seretide can cause more serious side effects. It’s crucial to be aware of these and seek medical attention immediately if you experience them:

• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Proper Inhaler Technique

1. Shake the Inhaler (for HFA type).
2. Exhale Fully.
3. Inhale Slowly and Deeply while pressing the inhaler.
4. Hold your Breath for about 10 seconds.
5. Exhale Slowly.

“Using the inhaler correctly ensures that the medication reaches your lungs where it’s needed most,” says Dr. Emily Richards, a renowned pulmonologist.