Seretide - side effects, use, action, dosage

Seretide is a combination medicine that contains two active ingredients: fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate. These two components work together to help control and prevent the symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Fluticasone propionate is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the lungs. It works by inhibiting the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. This helps to prevent shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and other symptoms of asthma and COPD.

Salmeterol xinafoate, on the other hand, is a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA). It works by relaxing and opening the airways to the lungs, which makes breathing easier.

Together, these two active ingredients provide better control of asthma and COPD symptoms than either ingredient alone. It's important to note that Seretide is not intended to relieve sudden breathing problems and won't replace a rescue inhaler.

Seretide is a combination medicine used in the treatment of various respiratory conditions. It is indicated for:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The medicine helps by relaxing the muscles of the airways, reducing inflammation, and improving the patient's ability to breathe.
• Asthma, where it is used for the regular treatment of asthma where use of a combination product is deemed appropriate. This includes: patients not adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and 'as needed' inhaled short acting beta2 agonist or patients already adequately controlled on both inhaled corticosteroids and long acting beta2 agonists.

It is also indicated for the symptomatic treatment of patients with severe COPD (FEV1 < 50% predicted normal) and a history of repeated exacerbations, who have significant symptoms despite regular therapy with long-acting bronchodilators.

While Seretide is a widely prescribed medication for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, there are certain conditions under which its use is contraindicated. It is critical that these contraindications are acknowledged to avoid any potential health risks.

• It is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to salmeterol, fluticasone propionate, or any other component of the product. An allergic reaction may manifest as rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Children under the age of 4 years should not be given Seretide, as the safety and efficacy of the product have not been established in this age group.
• Patients with severe cardiovascular disorders, particularly heart rhythm disorders, should use Seretide with caution. In such cases, the risks and benefits should be discussed with the healthcare provider.
• Individuals with severe liver disease may need dosage adjustment, as fluticasone propionate, one of the active ingredients in Seretide, is extensively metabolized in the liver.

It is vital that patients disclose their complete medical history to their healthcare provider before starting a Seretide regimen. The use of Seretide may need to be reconsidered if certain medical conditions are present, such as tuberculosis, osteoporosis, or certain eye conditions (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma).

Patients should also inform their healthcare provider of all the medications they are currently taking, as some drugs may interact with Seretide and influence its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.

Seretide, like any other medication, may cause side effects in some users. However, not everyone experiences them. Side effects often occur when the medicine is first used and usually disappear after a few days when your body adjusts to the new medication.

Common side effects include:

• Headache
• Throat irritation
• Hoarse voice or throaty voice
• Fungal infection of the mouth and throat (thrush) - this is less likely if you rinse your mouth with water and spit it out immediately after using Seretide.

Rare side effects include:

• Sudden wheezing and chest pain or tightness.
• Swelling of eyelids, face or lips.
• Skin rash, hives anywhere on the body.
• Unexpected bruising or bleeding.
• Increased amounts of sugar in the blood.
• Pneumonia and bronchitis (in people with COPD).

Very rare side effects include:

• A sudden drop in the levels of the hormone cortisol in your body.
• Tiredness, lack of energy, low mood – these can be signs of low levels of potassium in your blood.
• Increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma), cataract.
• Very fast heartbeat (tachycardia).
• Feeling shaky (tremor) especially in the hands.
• Nervousness.

If any of these side effects persist or you notice other effects not listed, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Remember that the benefits of taking Seretide usually outweigh the side effects.

Seretide is typically prescribed in two distinct dosages, either as Seretide 250/50 or Seretide 500/50. The number 250 or 500 denotes the micrograms of fluticasone propionate, which is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the lungs. The number 50 represents the micrograms of salmeterol, a long-acting beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist that helps to relax and open the airways.

For adults and adolescents 12 years and older, the usual dose is one inhalation of Seretide 250/50 or 500/50 twice daily. The specific dosage, however, can vary depending on the severity of the patient's asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It's important to note that Seretide should not be used to relieve sudden breathing problems and won't replace a rescue inhaler.

For children aged 4 to 11 years, a lower dose of Seretide 100/50 is typically recommended, administered as one inhalation twice daily. As with adults, the dosage may be adjusted by the child's doctor depending on the severity of the child's asthma.

Patients should take their dose at the same times each day to ensure a steady level of medication in their body. Any changes to the dosage should only be made under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

The device should be shaken well before each use, and the patient should rinse their mouth with water after each dose to help prevent dry mouth and throat, oral candidiasis, and hoarse voice.

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. If it's close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the regular dosing schedule. Doubling the dose is not recommended.

Seretide is a medication often used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It contains two active ingredients: fluticasone, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the lungs, and salmeterol, a long-acting beta2-adrenoceptor agonist (LABA) that relaxes the muscles in the airways. By combining these two components, Seretide helps to control and prevent symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

The medication is typically used on a long-term basis, taken once or twice daily, and is not intended for immediate relief of acute symptoms. It comes in two forms: a metered dose inhaler (MDI) and a dry powder inhaler (DPI). The MDI dispenses a specific amount of medication in aerosol form with each actuation, while the DPI delivers the medicine in a fine dry powder.

It’s essential to use Seretide as directed by your healthcare provider. Misuse or overuse can lead to severe side effects including but not limited to: increased heart rate, shaky hands, and palpitations. You should rinse your mouth after each use to prevent oral thrush and voice changes, common side effects associated with corticosteroids.

Seretide is not suitable for everyone, including those with certain health conditions or those taking certain medications. Always inform your doctor of your complete medical history and current medications before starting a new treatment regimen.

When using Seretide, certain precautions should be taken to ensure safe and effective use. These precautions include:

• Before starting treatment, inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, particularly heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, or diabetes.
• Seretide should not be used to relieve acute asthma symptoms. A fast-acting inhaler should be used for this purpose.
• Regular monitoring of growth in children and adolescents receiving Seretide is recommended. If growth is slowed, the therapy should be re-evaluated.
• Seretide can interact with other medications. Therefore, it's important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Seretide. The potential risk for the baby should be considered against the mother's need for the medication.

Finally, always use Seretide exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Interactions refer to the effect of other drugs, substances, or conditions on the effectiveness and safety of Seretide. It's crucial to understand these interactions to prevent unwanted side effects and ensure optimal treatment outcomes.

Firstly, beta-blockers, used for conditions such as high blood pressure and heart diseases, can weaken the effect of Seretide. It can also increase the likelihood of breathing problems. If you are prescribed beta-blockers, your doctor will closely monitor your condition.

Secondly, medicines like ritonavir and ketoconazole used for HIV and fungal infections respectively, can increase the concentration of Seretide in the blood, leading to increased side effects. Regular monitoring and dose adjustments may be required when these drugs are co-administered.

Next, diuretics and other medications that lower the potassium levels in your blood can increase the risk of low potassium levels when taken with Seretide. Symptoms of low potassium levels include muscle weakness, fatigue, and abnormal heart rhythms.

Lastly, as corticosteroids are part of the Seretide inhaler, other corticosteroids taken orally or by injection may increase the risk of impaired adrenal function or decrease the immune response.

In addition to these, certain underlying medical conditions like tuberculosis, thyroid disorders, and diabetes may alter the effectiveness and safety of Seretide. Always discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider.

Remember, this is not an exhaustive list of all possible interactions. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements, as well as drugs prescribed by other doctors.

The price of Seretide can vary depending on a variety of factors including the dosage, quantity, and the location where it is purchased. On average, the cost for a single inhaler of Seretide ranges between $50 to $200. However, prices can vary and it is always recommended to check with your local pharmacy for the most current pricing.

It is also worth noting that some health insurance plans may cover the cost of Seretide, either partially or fully, so it would be beneficial to check with your provider to see if this medication is included in your plan.

For those without insurance, there are several patient assistance programs available that may help to reduce the cost of Seretide. Some pharmacies also offer discount programs or generic versions of the medication at a lower cost.

Finally, it is important to remember that the cost of the medication does not necessarily reflect its effectiveness or quality. Seretide is a well-established medication with a proven track record in treating conditions such as asthma and COPD, and its price is reflective of this.

When considering substitutes for Seretide, it's vital to understand that substitution should always be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional. The alternative drugs have different active ingredients, and their effect can vary from person to person. Here is a list of some possible substitutes for Seretide:

• Advair Diskus: This drug contains the same active ingredients as Seretide. It's used for asthma and COPD just like Seretide.
• Symbicort: This is another substitute for Seretide. It also contains two active ingredients that are used for the treatment of asthma and COPD.
• Dulera: Dulera is another effective substitute for Seretide. It combines two medicines that are used to control symptoms of asthma and prevent bronchospasm.

Remember, while these substitutes have similar uses and effects, they are not generic versions of Seretide. Each has its own strengths and side effects. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before making any changes to your medication regimen.