Drug Uses

How it is taken

· Always activate and use this device in a level, horizontal position. Do not try to use a spacer device with Serevent. To prepare the device for use, open the protective foil pouch and remove the inhaler device. Hold the device in one hand. Use the thumb of the opposite hand to push the thumb-grip as far away from you as it will go. The mouthpiece will appear and snap into position. Hold the device in a level, flat position with the mouthpiece towards you. Use your thumb to slide the lever away from you as far as it will go. You should hear a click. The device is now ready for use. Do not close or tilt the device, play with the lever, or move the lever more than once. You may accidentally release or waste a dose. Close the device when you are finished taking a dose. Slide the thumb-grip back towards you as far as it will go. The device will click shut, and the lever will return to its original position. Serevent delivers your dose as a very fine powder. Most, but not all, patients can taste or feel it. Even if you cannot feel it, do not use more than the recommended dose. If you are not sure if you are receiving your dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist. If you are using Serevent to prevent breathing problems caused by exercise, use it at least 30 minutes before you start to exercise. Do not use another dose for at least 12 hours. If you already use Serevent twice daily on a regular basis, do NOT take an extra dose before you exercise. Discard the inhaler 6 weeks after removing it from the protective foil pouch or after all the blisters have been used, whichever comes first. Never wash the mouthpiece or any other part of the inhaler. Keep it dry and always store it in a dry place. Continue to use Serevent even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Serevent is a long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator that widens the airways and helps you breathe easily.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Serevent then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.
 

Warnings/Precautions
 

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you have had a severe allergic reaction to milk protein, if you have a history of liver problems, diabetes, heart problems (eg, fast or irregular heartbeat, heart blood vessel problems), high blood pressure, low blood potassium levels, seizures, an adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma), or an overactive thyroid, if you have recently been to an emergency room for asthma, have a history of frequent hospitalizations for asthma, or have ever had a life-threatening asthma attack, if you have had an unusual reaction to a sympathomimetic medicine (eg, albuterol, pseudoephedrine), such as fast or irregular heartbeat, overexcitement, or severe trouble sleeping, if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) or a tricyclic antidepressant (eg, amitriptyline), or you have taken any of these medicines within the last 14 days.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you are having an asthma attack (eg, sudden severe onset or worsening of asthma symptoms such as chest tightness, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing).

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Serevent and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether is Serevent is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking especially any of the following.

Azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), macrolide antibiotics (eg, clarithromycin), nefazodone, or telithromycin

Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)

Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors (eg, entacapone), long-acting beta-agonists (eg, fluticasone/salmeterol, formoterol), MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline)

Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol)
 

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are Headache, nasal or sinus congestion, nervousness, stuffy nose, throat irritation, tremor. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat, unusual hoarseness), chest pain, choking, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, new or worsening asthma symptoms (eg, coughing, increased chest tightness, shortness of breath, or wheezing), overexcitement, severe or persistent headache or dizziness, severe or persistent muscle pain or cramps.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.