SEREVENT DISKUS

Drug Name: SEREVENT DISKUS

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

COMMON SEREVENT DISKUS BRAND NAME(S):
Serevent

SEREVENT DISKUS SIDE EFFECTS:
Dry mouth, irritated throat, dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, heartburn, loss of appetite, altered taste sensation, 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 DISKUS:
SEREVENT DISKUS: Make sure you understand how to use the device properly and how SEREVENT DISKUS should be used in relation to other asthma drugs. Refer to the illustrated directions provided by the manufacturer for instructions on the correct use of this device. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if there is anything in the illustration you do not understand. Always activate and use this device in a level, horizontal position. Usually, this medicine is used twice daily, (one inhalation in the morning and one in the evening) or use as directed by your doctor. Do not use it more frequently without your doctor's approval. You should use SEREVENT DISKUS 30 to 60 minutes before exercise when using it to prevent exercise-induced asthma. Never exhale into the device. Do not use with a spacer. Never wash the mouthpiece or any part of the device. It must be kept dry. Rinse your mouth after using to help prevent dry mouth and to relieve throat irritation. If you find your symptoms do not improve or they worsen after using this, contact your doctor immediately.

SEREVENT DISKUS 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 DISKUS is not for use in an acute asthma attack.

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

SEREVENT DISKUS DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all drugs you may use, both prescription and nonprescription including: beta-blockers (e.g., labetalol, propranolol, timolol), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), asthma medications, antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide). 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 DISKUS 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 DISKUS NOTES:
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. Do not share SEREVENT DISKUS with others.

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

SEREVENT DISKUS STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (between 20 and 25 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not store the device for later use. Discard it after every blister has been used or 6 weeks after opening foil pouch, whichever comes first. Keep out of children's reach. 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.