SERETIDE ACCUHALER - CMI
(GlaxoWellcome)

CONSUMER MEDICINE INFORMATION

What is in this leaflet?

Please read this leaflet carefully before you use Seretide Accuhaler.

This leaflet answers some common questions about Seretide Accuhaler. It does not contain all of the available information.

It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you using Seretide Accuhaler against the benefits this medicine is expected to have for you.

If you have any concerns about using this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet with the medicine.

You may need to read it again.

What Seretide Accuhaler is used for

Seretide Accuhaler is used to help manage your asthma.

Seretide Accuhaler contains two medicines, salmeterol xinafoate and fluticasone propionate.

Salmeterol xinafoate is known as a bronchodilator. A bronchodilator keeps the breathing tubes in your lungs open and relieves the symptoms of asthma and other chest conditions. The effects of salmeterol xinafoate last for up to twelve hours.

Fluticasone propionate belongs to a group of medicines known as corticosteroids, frequently called 'steroids'. They are not 'anabolic steroids' which are the steroids sometimes misused by athletes. Corticosteroids have an anti-inflammatory action. They reduce the swelling and irritation in the walls of the small air passages in the lungs and so help you to breathe more easily. Corticosteroids also help to prevent attacks of asthma.

When taken together regularly salmeterol and fluticasone propionate help to control your breathing difficulties.

Your doctor may have prescribed Seretide Accuhaler for another reason.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Seretide Accuhaler has been prescribed for you.

The medicine in Seretide Accuhaler is not addictive.

Before you use Seretide Accuhaler

When you must not use it

* Do not use Seretide Accuhaler if you have ever had an allergic reaction to salmeterol xinafoate (Serevent), fluticasone propionate (Flixotide), lactose or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may be mild or severe. They usually include some or all of the following: wheezing, swelling of the lips/mouth, difficulty in breathing, hayfever, lumpy rash ("hives") or fainting.

* Do not use Seretide Accuhaler if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding, unless your doctor says you should.

Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using Seretide Accuhaler if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

* Do not use Seretide Accuhaler after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack.

If you use it after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well.

* Do not use Seretide Accuhaler if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

If you're not sure whether you should be using Seretide Accuhaler, talk to your doctor.

Before you start to use it

You must tell your doctor if:

* you are allergic to foods, dyes, preservatives or any other medicines.

* you are pregnant or likely to become pregnant

* you are breast-feeding

* you have ever had thrush in your mouth

* you are being or have ever been treated for tuberculosis (TB)

* you are having treatment for a thyroid condition

* you are having treatment for high blood pressure or a heart problem

Using other medicines

Tell your doctor if you are using any other medicines, including medicines you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may affect the way others work. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to tell you what to do when using Seretide Accuhaler with other medicines.

How to use Seretide Accuhaler

DO NOT use this medicine to treat a sudden attack of breathlessness as it will not help you. You will need a different type of me