Indications  

Serevent Diskus is prescribed as a maintenance therapy to mitigate wheezing and respiratory difficulties associated with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. 

Long-term usage of this medication is recommended only when other asthma medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, fail to adequately control asthma symptoms. 

Serevent Diskus may also be prescribed for the prevention of exercise-induced asthma (bronchospasm). 

Classified as a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA), Serevent Diskus functions by relaxing and widening the air passages in the lungs, thereby facilitating easier breathing. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before using Serevent Diskus and with each prescription refill, carefully review its medication guide and patient information leaflet. Should you have any questions, seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist. 

The dosage of this medication is determined based on medical conditions and response to the treatment. 

Typically, Serevent Diskus is inhaled orally twice daily, as prescribed by the doctor, with a 12-hour interval between morning and evening doses. 

To effectively prevent exercise-induced breathing difficulties, this medication should be administered at least 30 minutes prior to exercise and not more frequently than once every 12 hours. If it is being used twice daily as part of a regular regimen, refrain from taking an additional dose before exercising. 

For proper use of Serevent Diskus, follow these steps: 

1. For a new inhaler:  
   1. Unpack the inhaler from its box and foil wrapper.  
   2. On the inhaler label, write down the date of opening and the date when it needs replacement, which should be 6 weeks later. 
2. Hold the inhaler in one hand, placing your thumb on the thumb grip. Push your thumb away from you until the mouthpiece appears and securely snaps into position. 
3. Keep the inhaler horizontally, with the mouthpiece facing you, then slide the lever away until it clicks.  
   • Each push of the lever readies a dose, and you will notice the dose counter decreasing. 
   • Avoid wasting doses by not closing or tilting the inhaler unnecessarily, playing with the lever, or pushing the lever more than once. 
4. Hold the inhaler away from your mouth, and exhale comfortably. 
5. Ensure the inhaler remains level and flat. Position the mouthpiece near your lips and inhale quickly and deeply through the inhaler, not through your nose. 
6. After inhalation, remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for about 10 seconds or as long as you can comfortably manage. Then, exhale slowly. 
7. You may taste or feel the released medication but do not inhale another dose even if you do not experience it.  
8. If you are uncertain about getting your dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist. 
9. Position your thumb on the thumb grip and smoothly retract it towards yourself until it securely locks in place with a clicking sound. 

Remember not to exhale into the inhaler device, refrain from using it with a spacer, and avoid washing the mouthpiece or any part of the device. 

When using multiple inhalers simultaneously, allow at least a 1-minute interval between each medication’s use. 

If you have been using a quick-relief inhaler on a fixed daily schedule, like four times a day, you should discontinue this routine and only use it when experiencing sudden asthma attacks causing shortness of breath. Seek guidance from your doctor for further information. 

To achieve optimal results, follow the prescribed directions for using Serevent Diskus, taking it at consistent times each day. Avoid using it more frequently than instructed, as this may elevate the risk of side effects. 

Do not discontinue or alter the dosage of this medication without consulting your doctor. Abruptly stopping it may worsen certain conditions. If necessary, your dose may need to be gradually reduced under medical supervision. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the potential adverse effects of Serevent Diskus. Notify your physician immediately if any of them persist or deteriorate. 

Common Side Effects 

• Headache 
• Flu symptoms 
• Joint or muscle pain 
• Throat irritation or cough 
• Stuffy or runny nose 

Serious Side Effects 

• Worsening asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties after using Serevent Diskus 
• Severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in the neck or ears 
• Chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeats 
• Tremors, nervousness 
• Signs of high blood sugar: 
  • Increased thirst 
  • Increased urination 
  • Dry mouth 
  • Fruity breath odor 
• Signs of low potassium level: 
  • Leg cramps 
  • Constipation 
  • Irregular heartbeats 
  • Fluttering in the chest 
  • Increased thirst or urination 
  • Numbness or tingling 
  • Muscle weakness or limp feeling 

Contact your doctor right away if any of the above-listed serious side effects are experienced. 

Allergic Reactions 

Although rare, a severe allergic reaction to Serevent Diskus may occur. Seek immediate medical assistance in case of any signs of an allergic reaction, such as: 

• Hives 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat 

Not all side effects of Serevent Diskus are included in this list. Inform your doctor if any unlisted effects arise. 

Cautions 

Before using Serevent Diskus, inform your doctor if you have any known allergies, particularly to salmeterol or other medicines. 

Seek further guidance from your pharmacist regarding Serevent Diskus, as it might contain inactive ingredients capable of inducing allergic reactions or other complications. 

To ensure Serevent Diskus is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, especially if you have a history of: 

• Heart problems (e.g., angina, irregular heartbeat) 
• High blood pressure 
• Diabetes 
• Liver problems 
• Seizures 
• Thyroid problems (e.g., overactive thyroid) 

Inform all your healthcare providers of any current or recently started or stopped medications, including prescription/nonprescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to reduce the risk of drug interaction with Serevent Diskus. 

The efficacy of Serevent Diskus may be influenced by the presence of other medications that impact the elimination of salmeterol from the body. Such medications include: 

• Cobicistat 
• Nefazodone 
• Ritonavir  
• Telithromycin  
• Azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole) 
• Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin) 
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., saquinavir) 

Serevent Diskus must be used alongside an inhaled steroid medication for long-term asthma management. Should you observe any decline in the efficacy of your asthma medications, seek medical attention without delay. 

Refrain from using another form of salmeterol (e.g., Advair) or a similar inhaled bronchodilator like formoterol or arformoterol (Foradil, Perforomist, Symbicort, or Brovana) unless specifically advised by your doctor. 

The potential effects of Serevent Diskus on fetal development are unknown. Inform your physician of your pregnancy status or intentions. 

Consult your physician regarding potential risks associated with breastfeeding while using Serevent Diskus.