SEREVENT

Drug Name: SEREVENT

SEREVENT DESCRIPTION:
SALMETEROL - INHALATION (sal-MET-er-all)

COMMON SEREVENT BRAND NAME(S):
Serevent

SEREVENT SIDE EFFECTS:
Dry mouth, irritated throat, dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, heartburn, loss of appetite, restlessness, anxiety, nervousness, trembling, and sweating may occur but should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute. Inform your doctor if you experience: chest pain, pounding heartbeat. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE SEREVENT:
SEREVENT: Make sure you understand how to use the inhaler properly. Shake the canister well before using. Place the canister near your mouth and exhale. Depress the spray as you inhale deeply. Hold your breath for a few seconds to allow the drug to be absorbed. If more than one inhalation is prescribed, wait at least one full minute between inhalations. Rinse your mouth after using to help prevent dryness and relieve throat irritation. Use SEREVENT exactly as prescribed. Do not use it more frequently without your doctor's approval. SEREVENT should not be used more frequently than every 12 hours. Excessive use may result in a decrease in drug's effectiveness and an increase in its side effects. You should use SEREVENT 30 to 60 minutes before exercise when using it to prevent exercise-induced asthma. If you need to use 4 or more puffs daily or more than 1 inhaler every 8 weeks of a different, shorter-acting inhaler, tell your doctor or pharmacist. If symptoms do not improve or if they worsen after using this medication, call your doctor immediately.

SEREVENT USES:
Salmeterol opens air passages in the lungs to improve breathing. It is used to prevent/minimize problems in persons with breathing difficulties (e.g., asthma). SEREVENT is not for use in an acute asthma attack.

SEREVENT PRECAUTIONS:
Before using SEREVENT, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart disease, high blood pressue, an overactive thyroid gland, epilepsy, diabetes, drug allergies. SEREVENT should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if SEREVENT is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

SEREVENT DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all drugs you may use, (both prescription and nonprescription) including: beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, labetalol, timolol), drugs used for asthma, antidepressants, diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine). It is important to read carefully all labels on over-the-counter preparations, especially those used to treat colds or allergies. Do not use these without first consulting your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

SEREVENT OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, tremors, nervousness, weakness, and dizziness.

SEREVENT NOTES:
Do not share SEREVENT with others. If you need to use 4 or more puffs of a shorter acting inhaler (such as albuterol) on a regular basis or if your need to use more than 1 of these shorter acting inhalers every 8 weeks, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

MISSED SEREVENT DOSE:
Ask your doctor about what action to take if you should miss a dose. Do not 'double-up' the dose.

SEREVENT STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not puncture. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.