Seroflo Inhaler

Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that is inhaled that reduces inflammation in the airways. Salmeterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles in the airways, widening the lungs for improved breathing.

A Fluticasone and Salmeterol inhaler is primarily used to prevent asthma attacks. It is also used to prevent issues with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) linked to chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema.

Do not use a fluticasone & salmeterol inhaler to treat an asthma attack that has already started. It will not be effective or quick enough. Use only a fast-acting inhalation medication in that case.

Seroflo contains fluticasone and salmeterol in powder form that includes an inhaler device pre-loaded with blister packs containing carefully measured doses of the asthma medication. The device opens and loads a blister every time you use the inhaler. The inhaler is not to be used with a spacer device.

Shake the inhaler for at least 5 seconds before each spray of the medication.

Make sure to use the medication as directed by your doctor, and speak with your doctor if the medication does not seem to be effective in preventing asthma attacks. Do not change your dosing or scheduling without first speaking with your doctor.

See emergency medical assistance if you have any of the following allergic reaction signs: difficulty breathing; hives; swelling of your face, tongue, lips or throat.

Speak to your doctor immediately if you have any of the following serious side effects:

bronchospasm (chest tightness, wheezing, trouble breathing); restless feeling; tremors; fast or uneven heart beats; chills, fever, cough with yellow or green mucus, stabbing chest pain; eye pain, blurred vision or halos appearing around lights; sores or white patches inside the mouth or on the lips; deteriorating asthma symptoms.

Less serious side effects you could experience are:

dizziness, headache; nausea, diarrhea, vomiting; dry nose, throat, or mouth; congested nose, sinus pain, sore throat, cough; voice changes or

This is not a full list of side effects and others could possibly occur. Speak with your doctor concerning advice about any side effects.

Do not use take this medication if you are sensitive or allergic to fluticasone (Flovent, Flonase), milk proteins or salmeterol (Serevent) or if you are undergoing an asthma attack or extreme COPD symptoms. To ensure you can safely use the fluticasone/ salmeterol inhaler, speak with your doctor if you know you have any of the following conditions:

food or drug allergies; epilepsy or other seizure disorder; heart disease or high blood pressure; an infection of any nature; diabetes; weakened immune system; glaucoma; a thyroid disorder; tuberculosis; liver disease or osteoporosis.

Concerning pregnancy, it is not known whether fluticasone and/or salmeterol is dangerous for an unborn baby. Advise your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant while using this medication.

Using the Fluticasone and Salmeterol inhaler could possibly stunt growth in children. Speak with your doctor if you believe your child may not be growing at a normal pace while using this medication, and do not administer to children younger than 4 years old.

Long-term use of steroid based medications may lead to osteoporosis, especially if are inactive, smoke cigarettes, do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or if osteoporosis runs in the family.

Advise your doctor about all other medications you currently are taking, especially:

a diuretic or "water pill"; amiodarone (Cordarone); HIV medicines including ritonavir (Norvir), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), saquinavir (Invirase), or atazanavir (Reyataz); MAO inhibitors such as tranylcypromine (Parnate), rasagiline (Azilect), phenelzine (Nardil), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), isocarboxazid (Marplan); antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Vanatrip, Elavil, Limbitrol), nefazodone, desipramine (Norpramin), fluoxetine (Prozac)or imipramine (Tofranil); antibiotics including telithromycin (Ketek) or clarithromycin (Biaxin); antifungal medications including itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral); or a beta-blocker such as carvedilol (Coreg), atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), among others.

This is not a full list and other drugs could potentially interact with the inhalation of fluticasone and salmeterol medication.

Take the dose you missed as soon as you remember to do so. If it’s almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra doses to make up for any missed ones.

Store the inhaler at room temperature in a dry, cool place. Keep the canister away from areas of high heat such fire or a hot car. Too much heat could cause the canister to explode.