Serevent Diskus (Salmeterol) for COPD

Overview
Serevent is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat asthma and prevent bronchospasms in people age 4 and older with reversible obstructive airway problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Serevent is approved to be used in tandem with an inhaled corticosteroid. Serevent should not be used alone without other asthma medication. Serevent is also known by its drug name, Salmeterol.

Serevent is a bronchodilator, a drug that dilates the bronchi and bronchioles in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Serevent is believed to work by relaxing smooth muscles in the airways. Serevent is considered a long-acting bronchodilator.

How do I take it?
Serevent is inhaled orally twice a day. Serevent should be taken at about the same times each day, usually in the morning and evening. The inhaler, which comes in a sealed foil pouch, contains 60 doses of Serevent in the form of powder sealed in a blister pack. Discard the inhaler when the meter reads “0” or when the foil pouch has been open for six weeks. Do not take the inhaler apart. The effects of Serevent last for 12 hours.

Side effects
If it is used alone, without concomitant use of an inhaled corticosteroid, Serevent raises the risk of asthma-related death.

Common side effects of Serevent include hoarse, dry or irritated throat, upset stomach, coughing, blurred vision, nervousness, and dizziness.

Inform your doctor if you experience chest pain, fast heart rate (tachycardia), or worsening asthma symptoms while taking Serevent.

Many drugs can cause allergic reactions which, in the most serious cases, can result in death. Seek immediate medical help if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing or swelling in the face, throat, eyes, lips or tongue.

Links:

Serevent Diskus highlight of prescribing information (PDF) - GSK
https://www.gsksource.com/pharma/content/dam/Gl...