Serevent Diskus (Salmeterol Xinafoate) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Serevent Diskus

Allergy »

Allergy facts

Allergy involves an exaggerated response of the immune system.
The immune system is the body's organized defense mechanism against foreign invaders, particularly infections.
Allergens are substances that are foreign to the body and can cause an allergic reaction.
IgE is the allergy antibody.
Allergies can develop at any age.
Your risk of developing allergies is related to your parents' allergy history.

Introduction

In this review you will learn how allergy relates to the immune system. You will begin understanding how and why certain people become allergic. The most common allergic diseases are discussed briefly in this article.

What does an allergy mean?

An allergy refers to an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. It is exaggerated because these f...

Read the Allergy article »

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Serevent Diskus Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using salmeterol inhalation (Serevent Diskus)?

Salmeterol is a drug that has been shown to increase the risk of asthma-related death. It is critical that you use only the prescribed dose of this medicine and follow all patient instructions for safe use of the medication. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks and benefits in using salmeterol inhalation.

Before using salmeterol inhalation, tell your doctor if you have:

a food or drug allergy;
heart disease or high blood pressure;
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
diabetes;
a thyroid disorder; or
liver disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use salmeterol inhalation, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use salmeterol inhalation without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old.

How should I use salmeterol inhalation (Serevent Diskus)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Do not use salmeterol inhalation to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use another, faster-acting inhalation medication to treat an asthma attack.

Asthma is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

If you are using salmeterol inhalation to prevent exercise-induced asthma, use the medicine 30 minutes before exercising, or as directed by your doctor. Allow at least 12 hours to pass before you use the medicine again.

Serevent Diskus is a powder form of salmeterol inhalation that comes with a special inhaler device preloaded with blister packs containing measured doses of the medicine. The device opens and loads a blister each time you use the inhaler. This device is not to be used with a spacer.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

It is important to use salmeterol inhalation regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Do not stop using salmeterol inhalation without first talking to your doctor. Your asthma symptoms may get worse after you stop using the medication.

If you also use a steroid medication, do not stop using the steroid suddenly or you may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk with your doctor about taking less and less of the steroid before stopping completely.

Seek medical attention if you think any of your asthma medications are not working as well as usual. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack. If you use a peak flow meter at home, call your doctor if your numbers are lower than normal.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and sunlight.

Do not try to clean or take apart the Diskus device. Throw it away 6 weeks after you have taken it out of the foil pouch, or if the dose indicator shows a zero, whichever comes first. Each Diskus device contains 60 doses.

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