Seretide Inhaler

What is a Seretide inhaler?

Seretide is a steroid inhaler that is primarily used to treat asthma. The effects of this inhaler lasting for 12 hours at a time.

It comes available either as the Accuhaler or Evohaler; both contain the same medicine, but the way they release the medicine differs.

You must have a prescription to buy Seretide inhalers. 

What is Seretide used to treat?

Seretide is used to treat patients who suffer from moderate to severe asthma.

Seretide is a type of combination inhaler which contains both the characteristics of a brown preventer inhaler and a blue reliever inhaler. As a result, Seretide is often called a purple inhaler.

The Seretide inhaler is effective in helping to stop wheezing and breathlessness from coming on. It can be used to help prevent asthma attacks and is commonly used in the treatment of asthma, COPD and the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm. 

Why is Seretide a recommended treatment for asthma?

Salmeterol

Salmeterol is one of two active ingredients contained in Seretide. It is particularly effective in the maintenance of asthma and the prevention of asthma attacks. When inhaled, salmeterol reduces inflammation in the airways, allowing air to pass through more freely when we breathe.

The most common form of Salmeterol is when it is combined with Fluticasone propionate to form a single asthma treatment, commonly known as the Seretide Inhaler. A single inhaled dose of Salmeterol lasts for approximately 12 hours.

Fluticasone Propionate

Fluticasone propionate is a corticosteroid and is used to help manage asthma symptoms by reducing inflammation in the airways. Fluticasone also directly increases the beta-2 receptors in the smooth muscle of the airways. When the beta-2 receptors are activated, this causes bronchodilation which relaxes the airways and makes breathing easier.

How does a Seretide inhaler work?

Seretide inhalers work by releasing a measured dose of both salmeterol and fluticasone propionate directly into the airways.

When both active ingredients are inhaled into the lungs, it helps to suppress cell mediators that contribute to inflammation, such as histamine and prostaglandins. By suppressing histamine and prostaglandin, inflammation is also reduced in the airways; this allows air to pass through more freely.

Who can use a Seretide inhaler?

If you suffer from asthma and your doctor prescribes you an inhaler, you should make sure they are aware if you have any of the following conditions:

• You have an overactive thyroid gland
• You have high blood pressure
• You have had or currently have tuberculosis (TB) or any other lung infection
• You have diabetes mellitus
• You have low potassium in your blood
• You have heart disease, including a fast heartbeat or irregular heartbeat

Seretide is a safe and effective asthma treatment for children.

Can you buy Seretide inhalers over the counter?

No, to buy a Seretide inhaler you must have a prescription from your doctor. 

Can you buy Seretide inhalers online?

Yes, you can buy Seretide inhalers online from most UK pharmacies. You will be required to complete an online health questionnaire so your condition can be assessed by a doctor or healthcare professional, to ensure the treatment is suitable for you.

It is important to always buy medicine from a fully regulated online pharmacy, like Medicine Direct. To learn more about our licenses and regulations, visit our about us page. You will also find more information about our team and medical professionals.

Seretide alternatives

A wide range of asthma inhalers can be bought on prescription. 

Reliever inhalers are used to provide short-term relief from asthma symptoms. You should always carry a reliever with you in the event of an asthma attack. The following relievers are available to buy from our online pharmacy:

• Bricanyl
• Salamol Easi-Breathe
• Ventolin
• Airomir

Preventer inhalers should not be used in the event of an asthma attack but should be used every day to help prevent the symptoms of asthma from bothering you. You should use a preventer as prescribed by your doctor even when you are not suffering from asthma symptoms. 

The following preventers are available to buy from us:

• Pulmicort Turbohaler
• Qvar
• Symbicort Turbohaler
• Atrovent
• Clenil Modulite
• Flixotide

Seretide Indications and Dose

All of our doctors and pharmacists will follow NICE prescribing guidelines for Seretide.

Do not stop using the inhaler before your doctor tells you to, even if you feel okay. You should not reduce or increase the dose your doctor has instructed you to take.

Always use the Seretide inhaler exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has instructed you. Read the patient information leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

To treat asthma in adults and children over 12 years of age:

Seretide Accuhaler

Seretide 100mcg Accuhaler

• Prophylaxis of asthma - 1 Inhalation twice daily

Seretide 250mcg Accuhaler

• Asthma prophylaxis - 1 Inhalation twice daily

Seretide 500mcg Accuhaler

• 1 Inhalation twice daily for asthma prophylaxis

Seretide Evohaler:

Seretide 50mcg Evohaler

• 2 inhalations twice daily

Seretide 125mcg Evohaler

• 2 puffs twice daily

Seretide 250mcg Evohaler

• 2 inhalations twice daily

Rinse your mouth after using the Accuhaler or Evohaler to prevent the risk of thrush appearing in your mouth.

Seretide Side Effects

As with all medicines used to prevent asthma, using Seretide does come with the risk of certain side effects.

Not everyone will experience an adverse effect from using a Seretide inhaler, but you should let your doctor know if you experience any of the following while you are using the inhaler:

• Headaches
• Fever or chills
• Increased mucus production or a change in the colour of your mucus
• Increased cough or increased breathing problems
• Oral thrush (rinse your mouth after using the inhaler to help prevent this problem)
• Muscle cramps
• Aching/swollen joints or muscle pain

You should be aware that this list is not exhaustive. For a list of more serious reactions, please refer to the patient information leaflet as seen below.

Patient information leaflet

Seretide Accuhaler patient information leaflet.

Seretide Evohaler patient information leaflet.

Seretide Warnings and Drug Interactions

If you use Seretide with other medicines, they may interact with each other.

In particular, you should inform your doctor if you are currently using or have recently used any of the following:

• Medicines to treat HIV
• Medicines that contain fluticasone propionate or salmeterol
• Beta-blockers for high blood pressure or heart conditions
• Diuretics (water tablets) to treat high blood pressure
• Any other bronchodilators (such as salbutamol)
• Xanthine medicines, which are often used in the treatment of asthma
• Corticosteroids (either by mouth or injection)
• Any medicines that are to treat infections

You should always make sure you thoroughly read the patient information leaflet before using the Accuhaler or Evohaler as this list may not be exhaustive.

You can view a full list of Seretide Drug Interactions here.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are currently pregnant, trying to get pregnant or think you might be pregnant, you should inform your doctor before you start to use the inhaler.

Similarly, you should inform your doctor before using Seretide if you are currently breastfeeding. There may be more suitable asthma inhalers available for you to use instead.

Seretide is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

Learn more about using Seretide during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Seretide Ingredients

The main active ingredients within this medicine are: Fluticasone propionate and Salmeterol xinafoate

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.

How much does it cost to buy Seretide inhalers online?

Seretide Inhaler FAQs