Consumer Medicine Information
What you should know about Seretide (marketed under the brand name Advair in the US)

The name of your medicine is salmeterol xinafoate/fluticasone propionate (Seretide ( brand name Advair in the US)). The inhaler is also known as a puffer.

Seretide ( brand name Advair in the US) inhaler contains a suspension of salmeterol xinafoate and fluticasone propionate in CFC-free propellant, HFA 134a. The medicine is contained in a pressurised can, with a mouthpiece and an 'actuator'. Each time the actuator is pressed a dose of the medicine is released. Each can contains 120 doses of the medicine. Each dose contains 25 micrograms (mcg) salmeterol (as xinafoate) and 50, 125 or 250 mcg fluticasone propionate.

Salmeterol xinafoate is one of a group of medicines called bronchodilators. It relaxes the muscles in the walls of the small air passages in the lungs. This helps to open the airways and makes it easier for air to get in and out of the lungs. The effects of salmeterol xinafoate last for at least 12 hours.

When it is taken regularly it helps the small air passages to remain open.

Fluticasone propionate is one of a group of medicines called corticosteriods which are often referred to simply as steroids. Corticosteroids are used to treat breathing problems because they have an anti-inflammatory action. Corticosteroids also help to prevent attacks of asthma.

Fluticasone propionate should not be confused with other steroids such as anabolic steroids misused by some athletes and taken as tablets or injection.

When you take these two ingredients together regularly they will both help to control your breathing difficulties.

Your doctor has chosen this medicine to suit you and your condition. Seretide ( brand name Advair in the US) inhaler is used to help with breathing problems in people who need regular treatment.

It is very important that you use your Seretide ( brand name Advair in the US) inhaler every day, as instructed by your doctor. This will help you to keep free of symptoms throughout the day and night.

Seretide ( brand name Advair in the US) inhaler should not be used to relieve a sudden attach of breathlessness or wheezing.

If you get this sort of attack you must use a quick acting inhaler (eg. VentolinÔ) also known as a reliever puffer.

If you feel you are getting breathless or wheezy more often than normal, or you are using your inhaler more than usual, you should go to your doctor.

If you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions tell your doctor about this before taking your medicine.

• Are you pregnant or likely to become pregnant soon?
• Are you breast-feeding?
• Have you been told you are allergic to Serevent or salmeterol xinafoate?
• Have you been told that you are allergic to Flixotide or fluticasone propionate?
• Have you ever had thrush in your mouth?
• Are you being or have you ever been treated for tuberculosis (TB)?
• Are you having treatment for a thyroid condition?
• Are you having treatment for high blood pressure or a heart problem?

Make sure your doctor knows what other medicines you are taking, including those that you have bought yourself from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

• Do not use Seretide ( brand name Advair in the US) inhaler after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack.

• Do not use Seretide ( brand name Advair in the US) inhaler if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

If you're not sure whether you should be using Seretide ( brand name Advair in the US) inhaler, talk to your doctor.

The medicine in the Seretide ( brand name Advair in the US) inhaler should be inhaled into your lungs.

If you have any difficulties or do not understand the instructions ask your doctor or pharmacist.

• Seretide ( brand name Advair in the US) inhaler must only be breathed in through the mouth.
• Take your medicine as your doctor has told you. The label on it will usually tell you how much to take and how often. If you are not sure ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Two inhalations of 25mcg salmeterol and 50mcg fluticasone propionate twice daily.

or Two inhalations of 25mcg salmeterol and 125mcg fluticasone propionate twice daily.

or Two inhalations of 25mcg salmeterol and 250mcg fluticasone propionate twice daily.

Two inhalations of 25mcg salmeterol and 50mcg fluticasone propionate twice daily.

It is very important that you use it regularly every day. Do not stop treatment even if you feel better unless told to do so by your doctor.

Your doctor will decide what dose you should take, how often you should take it, and what strength of Seretide ( brand name Advair in the US) inhaler you should use. Do not change your dose unless told to by your doctor

You should visit your doctor or pharmacist regularly to check that you are using your Seretide ( brand name Advair in the US) inhaler in the right way. If you are not breathing the medicine in correctly, the medicine may not be helping you as much as it could.

If you are breathless or wheezing more often than normal, tell your doctor.

Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you accidentally take a larger dose than you were told to.

Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre for advice (03 474 7000), if you think you may have taken too much of your medicine, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.

Keep telephone numbers for these places handy.

You must use your Seretide ( brand name Advair in the US) inhaler every day. Do not stop using it, even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you. If you forget to take a dose, do not worry. Just take the next dose when it is due.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are using Seretide ( brand name Advair in the US) inhaler if you are about to be started on any new medicines.

If you have to go into hospital for an operation, take your Seretide ( brand name Advair in the US) inhaler with you and tell the doctor what medicine(s) you are taking.

All doctors treating you need to be aware that you are on inhaled steroids. If your body is stressed by, for example, severe infection, surgical operation, an accident etc, you may need steroid tablets or injections for a time.

Tell your doctor if, for any reason, you have not taken your medicine exactly as prescribed. Otherwise, your doctor may think that your medicine was not effective and change your treatment unnecessarily.

If your breathing or wheezing gets worse straight after using your inhaler, stop using it immediately and tell your doctor as soon as possible.

Most people taking this medicine find that it causes no problems. As with all medicines, a few people may find that it causes side effects.

Some people can be allergic to medicines. If you have any of the following symptoms soon after taking Seretide ( brand name Advair in the US) inhaler, STOP taking this medicine and tell your doctor immediately.

• Sudden wheeziness and chest pain or tightness.
• Swelling of eyelids, face or lips
• Lumpy skin rash or "hives" anywhere on the body.

Some people very occasionally find that their throat or tongue becomes sore or that their voice becomes hoarse after inhaling this medicine. Gargling with water and spitting it out immediately after each dose may help. Tell your doctor but do not stop treatment unless told to do so.

Also tell your doctor if you have nay of the following symptoms -

• Headache, muscle cramps, pains in joints, skin rash or trembling, increase in pulse rate or irregular heartbeat

If you have any other symptoms that you do not understand, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

• Keep your Seretide ( brand name Advair in the US) inhaler away from direct heat or sunlight.
• Also keep your inhaler away from frost, which may make your medicine work less well.
• Keep this medicine where young children cannot reach it.
• A locked cupboard at least one-and-a half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
• Do not leave it in the car or on windowsills.