Sereflo

Authored by

Dr Adam Williams

20 August 2024

What is Sereflo?

Sereflo is a medicated inhaler used to treat severe asthma and other breathing problems. Sereflo effectively relieves symptoms while preventing flare-ups of breathlessness and wheezing.

Description

Sereflo for Asthma & Breathing Problems

Asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are breathing conditions that primarily affect the lungs and can cause a range of breathing difficulties. Asthma often occurs after exposure to a trigger, however, it can happen randomly. Triggers may include common allergies to pollen or animal dander, infections, environmental changes or from exercise.

Sereflo is a prescription medication used to prevent breathing problems such as asthma. This is a daily asthma preventer that can help to stop feelings of breathlessness and wheezing and is not a reliever inhaler.

What is Sereflo and how does it work?

Sereflo is a combination inhaler that contains two medicines: salmeterol and fluticasone propionate. Salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator that can help the airways stay open to increase the amount of air travelling through. Fluticasone propionate is a corticosteroid which can reduce the swelling and irritation in the lungs.

Sereflo is indicated for use in adults aged 18 years of age and older only and is not a reliever/rescue inhaler.

Is Sereflo right for me?

If you are diagnosed with asthma, COPD or other breathing condition, you may be prescribed Sereflo by a doctor or healthcare professional. However, it may not be suitable for you if you have the following:

If you are allergic to salmeterol, fluticasone propionate or any other ingredients in this medicine
If you have a history of heart problems
If you have high blood pressure
If you have an overactive thyroid gland
If you have diabetes mellitus
If you have low potassium in your blood
If you have (or have had) Tuberculosis or other lung infections
If you are taking xanthine derivatives or steroids to treat asthma
If you are taking diuretics (water tablets), beta-blockers, medicines to treat infections, corticosteroids or other bronchodilators

How to use Sereflo?

Always use Sereflo exactly as prescribed by your doctor or advised by the pharmacist. The recommended starting dose for adults is 2 puffs (25/125) twice a day to relieve asthma, however, in presence of other factors, this may be increased or decreased accordingly as per the prescriber's clinical judgement.

For adults:

To relieve asthma - two puffs twice a day (25/125)

Instructions:

Start to breathe as slowly as possible just before using your inhaler
Stand or sit upright when using
Remove the mouthpiece and inspect it to ensure it is clear of debris and objects
Shake the inhaler 4 or 5 times and hold the inhaler upright with your thumb on the base, breathe out
Place the mouthpiece in your mouth between your teeth and close your lips, do not bite it
Breathe in through your mouth and just after you begin your breath, press down on the top of the canister to release a puff of this medicine whilst still breathing in steadily and deeply
Hold your breath and take your inhaler from your mouth, continue holding your breath for a few seconds
It can be taken at any time of day, with or without food
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, consult your doctor before using this medicine

Do not use your inhaler more often than the doctor told you to.

Video on how to use a Sereflo Inhaler

Side Effects

All medications can cause potential side effects, below we have listed some potential side effects of Sereflo. However, these do not always occur and are mostly mild in nature. But if you experience any prolonged or worrying side effects of Sereflo, please discontinue the medication immediately and consult your doctor.

Common side effects include:

Increased number of colds
Headaches
Thrush in the mouth and throat
Sore tongue
Hoarse voice and throat irritation
Aching, swollen joints and muscle pain
Muscle cramps

Warnings and Precautions

Sereflo may not be safe if taken with other medication or recreational drugs. Please inform the prescriber if you are taking any of the listed medications.

DO NOT use Sereflo:

If you are allergic to salmeterol, fluticasone propionate or any other ingredients in this medicine
If you have a history of heart problems
If you have high blood pressure
If you have an overactive thyroid gland
If you have diabetes mellitus
If you have low potassium in your blood
If you have (or have had) Tuberculosis or other lung infections
If you are taking xanthine derivatives or steroids to treat asthma
If you are taking diuretics (water tablets), beta-blockers, medicines to treat infections, corticosteroids or other bronchodilators

The above-listed warnings are not exhaustive, please consult a doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you have further questions on the use of this medication or potential interactions with other medicines.

Sereflo Patient Leaflet

To read the Sereflo Patient Leaflet, click here.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Welzo does not endorse or sell the medication discussed, nor do we recommend using this information as a substitute for professional healthcare. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or medical treatment. Welzo assumes no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided in this blog.