Serevent - side effects, use, dosage, indications

Serevent, or more accurately its active substance salmeterol, falls under the category of long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (LABAs). It works by stimulating the beta2-adrenergic receptors located in the lung tissue, particularly in the bronchial smooth muscle. The stimulation of these receptors results in muscle relaxation, which in turn leads to the widening or dilation of the airways (bronchodilation).

This action of Serevent is particularly useful in conditions that cause a narrowing of the airways, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Serevent's action starts within a few minutes after inhalation and lasts for about 12 hours, providing long-term control of symptoms. However, it's important to note that Serevent does not provide immediate relief of symptoms, and should not be used as a rescue medication during an asthma attack or severe COPD flare-up.

Another significant aspect of Serevent's action is its anti-inflammatory properties. There is evidence suggesting that LABAs like Serevent decreases the production and release of inflammatory substances in the airways. This can help reduce the inflammation that often accompanies conditions like asthma and COPD, leading to further improvement in symptoms.

Serevent is indicated for the long-term, twice daily (morning and evening) treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is also used for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm in patients aged 4 years and older. It should not be used for the relief of acute symptoms.

In the treatment of asthma, Serevent should be administered in conjunction with a short-acting beta2-agonist for relief of acute symptoms. It is not a substitute for corticosteroids, and patients requiring oral corticosteroids should be weaned slowly from systemic corticosteroid use after initiating Serevent.

It is important to note that Serevent might not be suitable for everyone. It should not be used in patients with severe hypersensitivity to salmeterol or any of the excipients. Furthermore, it should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension.

While Serevent can be incredibly beneficial for many patients, it's not suitable for everyone. There are several contraindications that must be taken into account before starting this medication.

Firstly, Serevent should not be used by anyone who is allergic to salmeterol or any of the other ingredients in the drug. An allergic reaction may manifest as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these symptoms after taking Serevent, seek medical attention immediately.

Secondly, Serevent is not recommended for use in patients with certain medical conditions. These include:

• Heart disease, particularly untreated or uncontrolled heart disease.
• High blood pressure.
• Seizure disorders.
• Diabetes.
• Thyroid disorders.

If you have any of these conditions, it's crucial to discuss them with your doctor before starting Serevent.

Additionally, Serevent should not be used during an asthma attack or severe COPD symptoms. Instead, a rescue inhaler should be used to treat acute symptoms. If you do not have a rescue inhaler, contact your healthcare provider to discuss appropriate treatment options.

Lastly, it's important to note that Serevent is not approved for use by anyone younger than 4 years old.

Serevent, a long-acting bronchodilator, while effective in managing and preventing symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can potentially cause a range of side effects. These side effects vary in severity, from mild to potentially severe. It's important to note that not all individuals using Serevent will experience these side effects.

The most common side effects associated with Serevent include:

• Headache
• Sore throat
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Cough
• Nasal congestion
• Stuffy nose

While these side effects are typically mild and often resolve within a few days or weeks of continued therapy, it's important to contact your healthcare provider if they persist or worsen.

In rare cases, Serevent use may lead to more serious side effects. These can include:

• Increased blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• Chest pain
• Severe dizziness
• Difficulty breathing
• Serious allergic reactions, such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing

If you experience any of the above serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention.

It's also important to note that Serevent may interact with other medications, potentially increasing the risk of side effects. Always inform your healthcare provider of any other medications, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking.

The dosage of Serevent can vary based on the individual's medical condition, age, and response to treatment. However, there are certain general guidelines that can be followed. Below are the recommended dosages for adults and children:

• Adults: The usual dose for adults is one inhalation twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart. It's important not to exceed the recommended dose as it can lead to serious side effects.
• Children: For children aged 4 years and older, the recommended dose is one inhalation twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart. Similarly, it's crucial not to exceed the recommended dosage.

Remember that Serevent is not meant to relieve sudden asthma attacks. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as directed by your doctor.

It's important to use Serevent regularly to get the most benefit from it, but do not increase your dose, use this drug more often, or stop using it without first consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse if the drug is suddenly stopped.

As with all medications, the dosage of Serevent should be adjusted under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Always follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosage and frequency.

Serevent is primarily used as a long-term medication to prevent and control symptoms caused by ongoing lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is often used in combination with other medications to allow better control of these chronic lung diseases.

It works by opening airways in the lungs to make breathing easier, thereby reducing the frequency of asthma attacks and exacerbations of COPD. However, it should be noted that Serevent does not work immediately and should not be used as a rescue medication during an asthma attack. A quick-relief inhaler should be used for immediate assistance in such situations.

It is crucial to use Serevent regularly to get the most benefit from it, and it is advisable to use it at the same time each day for easy remembering. It is also essential to continue using it even if symptoms disappear since lung diseases are ongoing, and stopping the medication could cause the condition to worsen.

When taking Serevent, there are several precautions to keep in mind to ensure the drug is used safely and effectively. First, it's important to use Serevent exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Not following the prescribed dosage can increase the risk of severe side effects.

Second, if you have any medical conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a thyroid disorder, it's crucial to inform your doctor before starting to use Serevent. These conditions can affect how Serevent works and may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Third, Serevent may interact with other medications. Therefore, it's important to tell your doctor about all other medications you're currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products.

Fourth, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult your doctor before starting to use Serevent. It's not known whether Serevent can harm an unborn baby or if it can pass into breast milk. Therefore, it's important to use caution if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Lastly, avoid situations that can trigger your asthma symptoms while you're using Serevent. This includes avoiding allergens and irritants such as smoke, dust, pet dander, pollen, and cold air.

Interactions can change how Serevent works and can increase the risk of serious side effects. The drug interactions listed below are not exhaustive, so it's essential to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you're currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal products.

Beta-Blockers: Beta-blockers can block the pulmonary effects of Serevent. Avoid co-administration unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Examples include propranolol, metoprolol, etc.

Diuretics: Co-administration can lead to ECG changes and/or hypokalemia. If necessary, consider monitoring potassium levels.

MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants: These can potentiate the effects of Serevent on the cardiovascular system. Use with caution.

Other adrenergic drugs: May potentiate the effects of Serevent. Caution is advised.

Non-potassium sparing diuretics: These can lead to hypokalemia, so caution is advised when these drugs are co-administered with Serevent.

It's crucial to remember that drug interactions can be different for each individual, and this information should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Regularly review your medication list with your healthcare provider to minimize potential drug interactions.

The price of Serevent can vary significantly depending on the pharmacy you visit, the form of the medication (inhaler or diskus), and the amount of medication needed. Insurance coverage can also greatly affect the price you pay out-of-pocket.

On average, Serevent can cost around $200 for a one-month supply, which includes one inhaler with 60 doses. This is the cash price without any insurance coverage or discount cards. For the Serevent Diskus, which contains 60 doses of the same medication, the price is typically slightly higher, averaging around $220.

It's important to note that many insurance plans cover Serevent and generic versions, which can significantly lower the cost. For those without insurance or with high deductible plans, there are discount cards and patient assistance programs available that can help reduce the cost. For example, GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Serevent, offers a coupon program that can lower the cost to as little as $10 for eligible patients.

When considering the cost of Serevent, it's also important to factor in the potential costs of not treating asthma or COPD effectively, including hospitalizations and missed work or school. Therefore, while the price of Serevent can be high, the benefits of effective treatment can outweigh the costs.

When it comes to substituting Serevent, it's essential to remember that the appropriateness of any substitute will depend on the individual patient's medical condition, history, and current medication regimen. It is necessary to consult a healthcare provider before making any changes.

Several medications serve as possible substitutes for Serevent. They include:

• Foradil (formoterol): This is a long-acting bronchodilator like Serevent. It can be used to control symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and asthma.
• Spiriva (tiotropium): Also used to treat COPD, this medication works by relaxing the muscles in the airways and increasing airflow to the lungs.
• Advair (fluticasone and salmeterol): This medication contains a combination of fluticasone and salmeterol. Fluticasone is a steroid that reduces inflammation while salmeterol is a bronchodilator. It's used to control symptoms of asthma and COPD.
• Brovana (arformoterol): This is another long-acting bronchodilator used to control symptoms of COPD.

Each substitute has its own set of potential side effects, dosage instructions, and contraindications. Therefore, any changes should be made only under the supervision of a healthcare provider.