Description
Seretide combines fluticasone propionate, an inhaled corticosteroid, with salmeterol, a long-acting beta-2 agonist. The steroid reduces inflammation in the airways and salmeterol relaxes the muscle around them, so the inhaler is used as regular treatment for asthma where a combination is appropriate, and at higher steroid strengths in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
It comes as the Evohaler, a pressurised inhaler you shake and press, and the Accuhaler, a dry powder device you load and breathe in from; the strength numbers differ between the two, so check the label carefully. It is a preventer taken every day, usually morning and evening, and not a reliever for a sudden attack. Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out afterwards.
Tell your prescriber if you have heart problems, an overactive thyroid, diabetes or a history of tuberculosis.
- Combination inhaler: fluticasone propionate with salmeterol
- Inhaled corticosteroid plus long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA)
- Available as a pressurised Evohaler and a dry powder Accuhaler
- Strength numbering differs between the two devices, check the label
- Not a reliever; keep a short-acting inhaler for sudden symptoms
- Rinse your mouth with water after each dose
