Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Serevent Diskus

Generic Name: salmeterol (inhalation) (Pronunciation: sal MEE ter all)

• What is salmeterol inhalation (Serevent Diskus)?
• What are the possible side effects of salmeterol inhalation (Serevent Diskus)?
• What is the most important information I should know about salmeterol inhalation (Serevent Diskus)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using salmeterol inhalation (Serevent Diskus)?
• How should I use salmeterol inhalation (Serevent Diskus)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Serevent Diskus)?
• What happens if I overdose (Serevent Diskus)?
• What should I avoid while using salmeterol inhalation (Serevent Diskus)?
• What other drugs will affect salmeterol inhalation (Serevent Diskus)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is salmeterol inhalation (Serevent Diskus)?

Salmeterol is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Salmeterol inhalation is used to prevent asthma attacks. It will not treat an asthma attack that has already begun. Salmeterol inhalation is also used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Salmeterol inhalation may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Serevent Diskus 50 mcg

What are the possible side effects of salmeterol inhalation (Serevent Diskus)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, tremors, shaking, or restless feeling;
• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medication; or
• worsening asthma symptoms.

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, or insomnia;
• sweating;
• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or
• dry mouth or throat irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about salmeterol inhalation (Serevent Diskus)?

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.

Salmeterol inhalation is 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.

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.

Do not use a second form of salmeterol (such as Advair) or use a similar inhaled bronchodilator such as formoterol or arformoterol (Foradil, Perforomist, Symbicort, or Brovana) unless your doctor has told you to.

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.

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.