How To Use Seretide

How To Take Seretide: Step‑by‑Step Usage Guide

The Seretide Accuhaler is a breath‑actuated device that delivers a precise dose of powder. Follow these steps exactly:

1. Open: Hold the outer case in one hand, put your thumb on the thumbgrip and push away from you until you hear a click. This reveals the mouthpiece.
2. Load: Hold the mouthpiece towards you. Slide the lever away from you until it clicks. You have now loaded one dose.
3. Breathe out: Hold the inhaler away from your mouth and breathe out gently (as far as comfortable). Never exhale into the device—it will blow the powder away.
4. Inhale: Place the mouthpiece between your lips and seal your lips around it. Breathe in steadily and deeply through your mouth. You may not taste or feel the powder—that’s normal if you did it correctly.
5. Hold breath: Remove the inhaler and hold your breath for about 10 seconds (or as long as comfortable), then breathe out slowly.
6. Rinse and close: Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out. This helps prevent thrush and hoarseness. Close the Accuhaler by sliding the thumbgrip back towards you until it clicks.

Dosage Guide

Your doctor will prescribe the strength that matches your condition. Never change the dose without consulting them.

If symptoms are well controlled, your doctor may reduce the dose. Always follow their instructions. Do not stop abruptly – this can worsen your breathing and may cause adrenal insufficiency.

Who Should Use Seretide

• Asthma patients: Adults, adolescents, and children (aged 4 years and older) who require regular maintenance therapy with an inhaled corticosteroid and long‑acting bronchodilator.
• COPD patients: Adults with severe airflow obstruction (FEV₁ <50% predicted) and a history of repeated exacerbations, who remain symptomatic on regular bronchodilators.
• Patients already using separate LABA and ICS: Seretide can simplify treatment by combining both in one inhaler.

Who Should Not Use Seretide

• Allergy: If you are allergic to salmeterol, fluticasone propionate, or lactose monohydrate (which contains milk proteins).
• As a reliever: Never use Seretide for sudden asthma attacks – it is too slow. Always have a fast‑acting inhaler (e.g., salbutamol) for rescue.
• Children under 4 years: Safety and efficacy not established.
• Mild COPD without exacerbations: Not indicated for patients who do not have frequent flare‑ups.

To Be Taken With Food and Without Food

Seretide Accuhaler can be taken with or without food. There are no known food interactions. However, it is important to rinse your mouth with water after each use (you may spit it out) – this removes any drug deposited in the mouth and throat, reducing the risk of oral thrush and hoarseness.

Special Conditions: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & More

Pregnancy

There is limited data on Seretide use in pregnancy. Uncontrolled asthma poses greater risks to both mother and baby (low birth weight, preterm birth, pre‑eclampsia). Use only if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor. The lowest effective dose should be used.

Breastfeeding

Both salmeterol and fluticasone are excreted in breast milk in negligible amounts. No adverse effects are expected in the breastfed infant. However, discuss with your healthcare provider before use.

Hepatic impairment

Fluticasone and salmeterol are extensively metabolised in the liver. In severe liver disease, systemic exposure may increase. Monitor closely for signs of corticosteroid excess (e.g., adrenal suppression) or cardiovascular effects.

Renal impairment

No dosage adjustment is required. Elimination via kidney is minimal.

Seretide Usage FAQs

Need a Seretide Prescription or Refill?

If you have been prescribed Seretide or think it might help your asthma/COPD, our UK‑registered doctors can review your symptoms online.

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