Serevent salmeterol inhaler

Serevent is a preventer inhaler prescribed for the prevention of asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) symptoms.

It contains the active ingredient salmeterol which works to prevent symptoms and allow you to breathe more easily.

It comes in two forms:

• Serevent Evohaler: a metered dose inhaler (MDI) which delivers the medicine as an aerosol spray
• Serevent Accuhaler: dry powder inhaler (DPI) where the medicine is inhaled in powder form.

Serevent was approved for use in Europe in 1990, making it one of the first inhalers used for managing symptoms of asthma and COPD.

At euroClinix, we prescribe both the Evohaler and Accuhaler specifically for asthma and COPD.

Serevent (salmeterol) is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) used for the long-term treatment of asthma and COPD. It works by preventing symptoms and allowing you to breathe more easily.

The active ingredient in Serevent is salmeterol xinafoate. When inhaled, this medicine relaxes the muscles in the airways, reducing symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath.

Unlike short-acting beta-agonists (SABA), which offer fast relief in the event of an attack, LABAs like Serevent are used long-term to prevent asthma symptoms from occurring. For this reason, it should not be used in an emergency but instead, as a maintenance treatment taken daily to manage your condition over time.

What’s the difference between the Accuhaler and the Evohaler?

There are two different types of Serevent inhalers: the Accuhaler and Evohaler. Both contain salmeterol but they administer it differently.

	Serevent Accuhaler Dry powder inhaler (DPI). Doses come in pre-loaded blisters, each containing a 25 mcg dose of salmeterol. The device has a counter on top of it, showing the number of remaining doses. Breath-actuated, meaning the medicine is released automatically when you breathe in.
	Serevent Evohaler Metered dose inhaler (MDI). Dose is released in form of a fine spray mist. You press the dose button as you breathe in. Can be used with a spacer device to deliver the medicine more effectively.

Should I choose the Accuhaler or Evohaler?

Both inhalers are equally effective.

However, some people struggle to use the Evohaler because they find it difficult to time the dose with their breath. Accuhalers do not have this problem as they administer the dose automatically as you breathe in.

Which inhaler you choose is up to you. If you find it difficult to time your breathing with your inhaler use, the Accuhaler may be more suitable.

Serevent has been proven in clinical studies to be a highly effective long-term treatment for asthma and COPD.

One review used various metrics to determine the effectiveness of salmeterol xinafoate (generic Serevent). Here are the key findings:

• Improved lung function when salmeterol 50 mcg twice daily compared to a placebo.
• Use of a reliever inhaler was significantly reduced during treatment with a salmeterol inhaler.
• Delayed COPD flare-ups with inhaled salmeterol compared to ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) during a 12-week treatment period.
• More symptom-free days with salmeterol use.
• Less doses needed - salmeterol used twice daily was as effective as ipratropium bromide used 4 times daily.

One clinical study also found salmeterol xinafoate to be highly effective in preventing those with nocturnal asthma from waking up at night. In this study, around 89% of patients did not wake up at all during the night when using their salmeterol inhaler.

Salbutamol vs Salmeterol

While both are clinically proven to be effective, one study has found salmeterol to be the better choice when it comes to treating your condition.

In this study, twice-daily salmeterol was found to be more effective than salbutamol taken four times a day when controlling asthma symptoms.

This medication may not be suitable for everyone. When you complete a consultation, our UK-registered doctors will be able to determine if Serevent is safe for you.

Who can take it?

This medication is suitable for:

• adults with asthma
• adults with COPD

Who cannot take it?

You cannot take Serevent if you are allergic to salmeterol xinafoate or any other ingredient in the medicine.

Please disclose your health status during your online consultation with euroClinix. One of our doctors will evaluate whether Serevent is suitable for you and may adjust your medications if needed.

To use your inhaler correctly, follow the dosage and treatment course our medical team prescribes. This ensures the drug's effectiveness and helps avoid side effects.

Dosage

The dosage you take depends on which inhaler you decide to use. Here is a helpful table detailing the average dosage of Serevent:

This is the general Serevent dosage schedule and yours may differ. Always use your inhaler exactly as instructed by your doctor.

Components

Serevent inhalers come in two forms: the Evohaler and the Accuhaler. These look and work differently from one another.

Evohaler

The Serevent Evohaler is a pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI), meaning the medicine is delivered directly to your lungs via an aerosol propellant. The propellant is activated when you press down on the inhaler and the medicine is released through the mouthpiece as a fine mist.

Accuhaler

The Serevent Accuhaler is a dry powder inhaler (DPI), meaning the medicine is delivered directly to your lungs as a dry powder. This inhaler is breath-activated, meaning you do not need to time your breathing. Simply slide the lever on the side to prepare the dose and breathe in from the mouthpiece when ready.

Instructions for use

How you use your inhaler depends on whether you have the Evohaler or the Accuhaler. You can find instructions for both below.

Evohaler

If it’s your first time using your evohaler, or if you haven’t used it for a long time, you should test that it works properly.

First, remove the mouthpiece cover before shaking the inhaler. Then, point the mouthpiece away from you and press the canister down to release two puffs into the air. If the inhaler works properly, you should see a fine mist release from the mouthpiece.

	Remove the dust cap and gently shake the inhaler 4 or 5 times.
	Hold your inhaler upright with your thumb on the base and breathe out as far as is comfortable.
	Place the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips around it. Do not bite down on the inhaler.
	Just after starting to breathe in, press down on the top of the inhaler to release a puff of medicine.
	Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for as long as you comfortably can before breathing out.
	Return the mouthpiece cover to its place by snapping it back into position.

To take your second puff, wait 30 seconds before repeating these steps.

Caution: The metal canister in the Evohaler contains a pressurised liquid. So, do not break, puncture or burn it, even if you think it’s empty. This is because it could be dangerous.

Accuhaler

The Accuhaler does not require testing before use. You will know the medicine is loaded properly if you see the dose counter go down after sliding the lever.

	Open the cover by placing your thumb on the grip, and slide it until you hear a click.
	Hold the mouthpiece towards you and slide the lever as far as it goes to load your dose.
	Breathe out as much as possible before putting the mouthpiece to your lips.
	Breathe in steadily through your mouth to administer the dry powder.
	Remove the inhaler and hold your breath for at least 10 seconds before exhaling slowly.
	Slide the thumb grip back towards you until you hear a click to prepare your inhaler for its next use.

How do I clean my inhaler?

Cleaning your inhaler regularly makes it as effective as possible and stops dust from entering your lungs. Follow these instructions to clean both the evohaler and accuhaler effectively.

When do I take it?

Since Serevent is used to prevent symptoms of asthma or COPD, you should not use it in an emergency situation. Use your reliever inhaler if your symptoms suddenly get worse.

Instead, Serevent needs to be taken daily for a long period of time in order to be effective. Make sure you don’t take your doses too close to one another to ensure controlled and continuous symptom control.

You can use Serevent whenever works best for you so long as your doses are approximately 12 hours apart. Use your inhaler at the same time every day to establish a routine so you don’t forget to take your dose.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

What if I miss a dose?

If you forget to use your inhaler, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

You should begin to feel the effects within 10-20 minutes of using your inhaler, and they should last for 12 hours or more.

DOCTOR’S NOTE: Serevent will not work if you are already experiencing breathing problems. In this instance, you should use your reliever inhaler instead.

Making some changes to your lifestyle can ensure your condition is more effectively managed. Consider making the following changes:

A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods is beneficial to overall health and can help to alleviate symptoms caused by your condition.

Silvia Fonda Nutritionist

Side effects may occur as a result of taking Serevent. Most of these are mild and should resolve within a few days, but some can be persistent or severe.

Consult your doctor if you experience any side effects that persist or get worse, including the following:

Side effects of Serevent will usually disappear after a few days once you get used to the medication, but if they don’t or they are getting in the way of your day-to-day activities, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or prescribe a different inhaler.

Ask your doctor for advice on how to manage side effects most effectively.

If your inhaler causes throat irritation, rinse your mouth with water after each use. This may help soothe any discomfort felt while you get used to your medication.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

For a full list of side effects, please consult the patient information leaflet for the Accuhaler or Evohaler respectively.

Some medicines may make your inhaler less effective or increase the risk of side effects. Tell your doctor about any other medicines you take, including the following:

• Antifungal medications (e.g. Ketoconazole, Itraconazole) - may increase the risk of side effects.
• HIV medications (e.g. Ritonavir) - may increase the risk of side effects.
• Beta-blockers (e.g. Atenolol, Propranolol) - can reduce the effectiveness of Serevent.
• Diuretic blood pressure medications (e.g. Indapamide) -can reduce potassium levels in the blood.

This list does not cover all possible interactions. For a comprehensive list, please visit the interactions checker on the BNF website.

Follow these guidelines when storing Serevent:

• Store below 30°C in the original packaging
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste.*

*Take any unused medication to your local pharmacy for proper disposal. These measures help to protect the environment.

No, Serevent can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Prescriptions are necessary because they:

• Ensure appropriate use for your specific condition.
• Prevent potential misuse and associated health risks.
• Allow for monitoring of side effects and interactions with other medications.

Ordering Serevent online from euroClinix is convenient.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Complete a quick online consultation to check your eligibility.
2. UK-registered doctors review your responses to ensure the medication is right for you.
3. Upon approval, an e-prescription will be issued.
4. Enjoy free delivery from our licensed pharmacy with tracking details.

Your privacy is our top priority. euroClinix uses secure, encrypted transactions and complies with UK medical standards to keep your information confidential.

Start your online consultation today to enjoy professional care from the comfort of your home.

euroClinix is trusted by thousands of users in the UK for its safe and convenient service. Here’s why:

• Experienced doctors manage your consultations and prescriptions.
• Online consultations, swift approvals, and discreet doorstep delivery make ordering quick and convenient.
• A supportive team is on hand to answer treatment-related questions or concerns.
• Patients can manage their prescriptions hassle-free through our secure platform.

Join thousands who trust euroClinix for their healthcare needs and take control of your health today.

The price of Serevent at euroClinix includes everything you need:

• Free online consultation with our experienced doctors
• Free prescription, if approved
• Free delivery straight to your door

Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. Order today and benefit from our complete, all-inclusive service.

If Serevent is not right for you, there are other options available to treat your condition.

Once you have decided on a treatment, simply fill out a consultation form at the top of this page. Once approved, your chosen medicine can be sent out with next-day delivery and you can start getting better as soon as possible.