Seroflo 250 (Salmeterol/Fluticasone) 50mcg/250mcg

Seroflo Multi-haler general information

What is Seroflo Multi-haler used for?

Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250 is a combination medication used for the regular long-term treatment and management of reversible obstructive airways disease, such as asthma, for people where a combination medication is considered appropriate.  This includes patients already using a combination medication or using an inhaled preventer medication but are not adequately controlled and are still having symptoms, or patients using a reliever medication as needed, to treat symptoms of asthma, but are not adequately controlled.  Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250 should not be used for severe asthma or as a “reliever” for asthma attack.  Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250 is also used for treatment of moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is a non-reversible obstructive airways disease.  The combination of medications in Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250 work together to provide better control of asthma to protect against symptoms, prevent exacerbations of asthma or COPD and improve lung function.

How does Seroflo Multi-haler work?

Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250 contains a combination of two medications that work by different mechanisms of action to control obstructive airways disease in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  Fluticasone in Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250 is a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medication that blocks Inflammation, one of the underlying causes of asthma.  This is a preventer medication and works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals released in the airways in response to asthma trigger, such as allergens or irritants in the air, reducing inflammation and swelling of the airways.  Salmeterol is a long-acting beta₂-agonist and bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles of the small airways of the lungs (bronchioles) to widen the airways.  This reduces bronchospasm (constriction or the airways) relieving symptoms of asthma such as tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath and provides relief for up to 12 hours.  Fluticasone and salmeterol in Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250 are delivered in a dry powder form directly into the bronchioles of the lung and work together to improve lung function, and to reduce symptoms and exacerbations of asthma.

What does Seroflo Multi-haler contain?

Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250 contains the active ingredients Salmeterol xinafoate a bronchodilator (50mcg), and fluticasone propionate (250mcg), a corticosteroid used in combination to treat asthma and COPD.  Each dose contains 50mcg salmeterol xinafoate and 250mcg fluticasone propionate and each pack contains 30 metered doses of dry powder.

Treating asthma with Seroflo Multi-haler

Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250 contains a combination of fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medication that blocks Inflammation, one of the underlying causes of asthma; and salmeterol xinafoate, a long-acting bronchodilator that relieves bronchospasm (constriction or narrowing of the bronchioles or small airways) and widens the airways to allow air to flow more easily into the lungs.  Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250 is used as an asthma prevention medication and the two medications work together to improve lung function, and to reduce exacerbations of asthma and symptoms like tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath.  Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250 should not be used as a “reliever” or “rescue” medication if you are having an asthma attack.

Should you use Seroflo with other asthma inhalers?

Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250 is used as a long-term “preventer” medication to reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways of the lung and reduce bronchospasm (constriction or narrowing of the bronchioles or small airways) as part of an asthma management plan to reduce symptoms and exacerbations of asthma, and to improve lung function.  You may also be prescribed a short-acting bronchodilator for relief of bronchospasm during an asthma attack, to be used as needed.  Both are intended to be taken together, only if recommended by your doctor. 

What are the side effects of Seroflo Multi-haler?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Seroflo Multi-haler 50/250 are due to the fluticasone component and include, a sore throat or tongue, which may be due to candida infection (thrush), hoarseness or throat irritation and contusion in the skin (bruising).  Side effects due to the salmeterol component include headache, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), tremor (shaky or tense feeling), palpitations, mouth or throat irritation and muscle cramps. 

When should Seroflo Multi-haler not be used?

You should not use Seroflo Multi-haler if you:

• are allergic to salmeterol or fluticasone or any ingredients in Seroflo Multi-haler
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• are a diabetic, without discussion with your doctor, as the fluticasone in Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250 may increase your glucose levels
• have tuberculosis of the lung or other long term lung infection
• have pre-existing cardiovascular disease, heart rhythm abnormality or thyrotoxicosis (high levels of thyroid hormone), without discussion with your doctor
• are taking other medications that may interact with Seroflo, like ritonavir for HIV infection, ketoconazole for fungal infection, or the β-blocker propranolol

What are the health risks of Seroflo?

Long term use of Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250 may cause the adrenal glands, which produce endogenous (naturally occurring) corticosteroids, to stop working efficiently.  This may slow down the growth rate in children and will need regular monitoring.  Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250 may also cause decreased bone mineral density if used for long periods.

What is paradoxical bronchospasm?

All inhaled asthma medications can cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which is when the inhaled medication taken to relieve or prevent bronchospasm actually makes it worse, causing wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness of the chest.  If this happens you should inform your doctor and take their advice.

How should Seroflo Multi-haler be taken?

You should use your Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250 by taking two puffs (inhalations) twice a day, morning and evening.  The dose you take and how often you take it depends on the severity of your asthma and your age and should be as recommended by your doctor.  Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250 does not work immediately but is intended as a long-term medication, which may take up to a week to start to work and it may take several weeks before you feel maximum benefit.  Follow the instructions provided when using your Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250.  You continue to take your Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250 as long as is recommended by your doctor and you should not stop taking your Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250, even if you feel better. 

How long should you take Seroflo Multi-haler?

You continue to take your Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250 as long as is recommended by your doctor and you should not stop taking your Seroflo Multi-Haler 50/250, even if you feel better.

Missed dose of Seroflo Multi-haler

If you miss a dose of Seroflo Multi-haler 50/250 take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Seroflo Multi-haler be stored?

You should store your Seroflo Multi-haler below 25°C in a cool dry place.