FLUTICASONE + SALMETEROL

This medication is an inhaler used two times every day for long term control of asthma symptoms. Fluticasone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing the irritation and swelling of the airways. Salmeterol belongs to the class of drugs known as long-acting beta agonists. It works by opening airways in the lungs to make breathing easier. Together, they prevent irritation and swelling in the airways, and causes muscles in the airways to relax, opening them for easier breathing.

Uses

This product is used to control and prevent symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma or ongoing lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema). It contains 2 medications: fluticasone and salmeterol.

Warnings

Do not use this medication if:

You are allergic to any ingredient in fluticasone/salmeterol inhaler
You are having an asthma attack (eg, sudden, severe onset or worsening of asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath)
You are using another type of long-acting inhaled bronchodilator (eg, formoterol, salmeterol)
You are taking certain azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole), clarithromycin, cobicistat, protease inhibitors (eg, atazanavir, boceprevir, indinavir, ritonavir), nefazodone, or telithromycin
You have asthma that is already well controlled with the use of a long-term asthma-control medicine (eg, inhaled corticosteroid)
If any of these apply to you, contact your doctor or health care provider right away

Side Effects

Side effects of this medication may include:

Hoarseness
Throat Irritation
Headache
Stomach Upset
High Blood Pressure.

Tell your doctor promptly if any of these effects persist or worsen.

Precautions

Precautions

Do not use this drug to treat an asthma attack. Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication.

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you have:

High Blood Sugar (Diabetes)
Fast Heartbeat
Heart Disease
High Blood Pressure
Liver Disease
Soft And Brittle Bones (Osteoporosis)
Overactive Thyroid
Seizures
Being Treated For Any Type Of Infection
Severe Milk Allergy.

Interactions

This medication may interact with Advair and other nonselective beta-blockers (levobunolol, metoprolol, nadolol, propranolol, sotalol, timolol), natalizumab, pimecrolimus, tacrolimus (topical), and telaprevir.

Notify your doctor and pharmacist about all of your medications and health problems so they can check for any interactions.

Overdose & Brands

Call emergency hotline if someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing. Symptoms of overdose may include shaking (tremors), chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, seizures.

Available brands:

Combiwave
Seretide
Salmeflo
Forair 125
Flutizal