Seretide is a circular, purple combination inhaler containing 2 medications and is used to treat and relieve asthma symptoms. It contains fluticasone, a medication known as a corticosteroid, and salmeterol, which is a long-acting bronchodilator. Salmeterol can help to keep the airways open, whilst fluticasone reduces inflammation and swelling in the lungs.

What is Seretide used for?

Seretide can be used to prevent symptoms of asthma before they happen. It is used daily and should always be taken as prescribed, even if your symptoms are not bothering you as much. The long-acting bronchodilator called salmeterol will keep the airways open for at least 12 hours.

Seretide can also be used to relieve symptoms when they happen, reducing and stopping swelling in the lungs. These two medicines combined make it easier for asthma patients to breathe and live a normal life.

What is the active ingredient?

Seretide contains 2 active ingredients, also known as medications. Salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator and fluticasone is a corticosteroid.

Is Seretide a steroid?

Yes, Seretide is a steroid as it contains fluticasone, which is classed as a corticosteroid.

Flucitasone works by reducing inflammation in your lungs, which makes it easier for air to get in and out of your airways. This helps to prevent shortness of breath, and reduces the likelihood of an asthma attack.

Salmeterol works by relaxing the muscles in your lungs, helping the airways to open up. This works a little bit slower than reliever inhalers, like Salbutamol, but keeps your airways open over a longer period of time.

Seretide doses

The usual dosage of Seretide is 1 puff, twice a day. This may be in the morning and evening. There are different strengths of inhaler, so you must make sure you are taking the correct inhaler to ensure you get the right dose for you.

If your symptoms become better whilst taking Seretide, your doctor may tell you to take your inhaler once a day.

Using a Seretide inhaler is easy, as you can load the dose before taking the inhaler. This means you are able to breathe in the dose straight from the inhaler. When using your Seretide inhaler, follow these easy steps:

1. Use your thumb to push the outer case around so that you can see the mouthpiece. You will hear a click when the mouthpiece is open.
2. Hold the accuhaler with the mouthpiece facing you and slide the lever away from you until you hear a click. This means the dose is ready.
3. Whilst holding the accuhaler in your hand, take a long breath out.
4. Put the accuhaler mouthpiece between your lips and breathe in deeply through your mouth.
5. Take out the accuhaler and hold your breath for 10 seconds, or as close to this as you can.
6. Breathe out slowly.
7. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash, water, or brush your teeth after using your inhaler. This will help to stop some common side effects, such as thrush.
8. Close and store the accuhaler somewhere safe. Do not slide the lever unless you are taking your medication, as you may waste a dose.

When should I use my inhaler?

You should always use your Seretide accuhaler daily, as this will give you the best effect from the medications. If you use it 2 times a day, take it in the morning and evening. Only use your inhaler as prescribed and never take a double dose if you forget to take your medication.

How often can I use my Seretide inhaler?

You can use your Seretide inhaler as often as prescribed, which is usually twice a day as a ‘preventer’ inhaler. If you have symptoms, you should use your ‘reliever’ inhaler.

How many puffs of Seretide is safe?

The usual dosage of Seretide is 2 puffs a day. If you take a larger dose than you need, you may have some side effects such as dizziness, shaking, or a fast heartbeat. Speak with your doctor if you have taken too many puffs.

How long does my Seretide inhaler last?

Seretide inhalers are loaded with either 28 or 60 puffs. If you are prescribed your Seretide inhaler twice a day, with 1 puff each time, you will have 14 to 30 days of use, depending on which inhaler you have. Your Seretide accuhaler will have a counter which lets you know how many doses you have. When the numbers turn red, this means you have 5 puffs left.

How to maintain your Seretide inhaler

To maintain your Seretide Inhaler, so it works when you need it to, you need to clean it once a week. To clean, simply wipe around the mouthpiece with a dry tissue or cloth. Do not use water, or a damp cloth, as the dry powder is sensitive to moisture. If it does get wet, you may need to replace it.

How to store your Seretide inhaler

When storing your Seretide inhaler make sure to:

• keep away from hot places (above 30C)
• keep away from children
• not use after the expiry date

If your Seretide inhaler has expired, do not throw it away in your usual waste bin. Speak to a pharmacist about where you can recycle or throw away your inhaler, as it may still contain medication.

Seretide is a prescription only medication, so you need to get a prescription from a doctor before you can get it. You can get a prescription on the NHS after having an asthma assessment with your GP. If you are currently taking Seretide and have been prescribed it by your doctor, you can also order it through Superdrug Online Doctor.

Can I get Seretide online?

Yes, through trusted and regulated sellers like Superdrug Online Doctor. The process is easy and can be done via our website:

1. Fill in an easy, secure medical questionnaire. Here, you will be able to answer questions about your symptoms and other medical information
2. One of the doctors will then review your questionnaire and decide which treatment is best for you.
3. Your prescription Seretide accuhaler can then be collected in-store at any Superdrug, delivered to your home address, or collected at your local Post Office.
4. If you have any further questions, you can contact a doctor via your account at any time, for free.

Can I get Seretide over the counter?

No, Seretide is a prescription only inhaler as it contains medication that must be supervised by a doctor.

Can I get Seretide on the NHS?

Yes, you must be prescribed Seretide by your GP first, following an asthma assessment, to be able to order it through Superdrug Online Doctor.

Seretide contains 2 medications, meaning it can have side effects. Most side effects will stop once you have used the medication for a few days but speak to your doctor if they do not. If your breathing gets worse with Seretide or you show signs of an allergic reaction, stop using it straight away and speak with your doctor.

The most common side effects of Seretide accuhaler include:

• headaches
• sore throat
• thrush (white patches in the throat and mouth)
• muscle cramps and pain

Uncommon side effects include:

• changes in blood sugars
• fast heartbeat
• cloudy vision
• chest pain
• shaking
• trouble sleeping
• feeling worried
• skin rash

Rare side effects include:

• wheezing
• irregular heartbeat
• changes in behaviour (mostly in children)
• fungal infections in the airways

Extended use of Seretide

Using Seretide for a long period of time at a high dose can cause other changes in the body. You should be regularly checked by your doctor to make sure you are only taking as much Seretide as you need to control asthma symptoms. Using Seretide for a long time can include steroid related side effects like:

• changes in vision (Glaucoma)
• a slower growth rate in children
• weight gain
• thinning of the bones
• Cushing’s syndrome

Can you overdose on Seretide?

It is unlikely to overdose on Seretide if you are using your inhaler as directed by your doctor. If you do take more puffs than you need, you may have some side effects such as dizziness, shaking, or a fast heartbeat. Speak with your doctor if you have taken too many puffs and are worried.

Does Seretide cause weight gain?

Corticosteroids such as fluticasone can cause weight gain but this is less likely when inhaled. Using Seretide at a high dose for a long period of time can increase the chances of gaining weight. This could be caused by a condition called Cushing’s syndrome. Speak to your doctor if you are worried about gaining weight.

Seretide is not safe for everyone to take and contains 2 medications that may interact with other medications. You must have a consultation with your doctor before you take Seretide. If you are allergic to fluticasone, salmeterol, or any ingredients in Seretide, do not use your inhaler and speak with your doctor to find an alternative.

Seretide and other medication

Some medications will interact with Seretide, meaning it is not suitable for you. Speak to your doctor if you use:

• HIV medication
• beta-blockers
• Xanthine medicines
• other bronchodilators, such as salbutamol
• other corticosteroids
• high blood pressure medication

Seretide and other conditions

Seretide may not be suitable for you if you have other health conditions. This can be discussed with your doctor before prescribing.

Make sure to tell your doctor if you have:

• tuberculosis (TB), or have ever had it
• an overactive thyroid
• heart problems
• high blood pressure
• low potassium
• diabetes

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor can assess if Seretide is safe for you and what dosage you should be on.