Sereflo

Sereflo is a medicine that is used to treat severe asthma and other breathing problems.

When treating illnesses such as asthma, Sereflo helps to prevent attacks of breathlessness, and also works to reduce the number of flare-ups.

The active ingredients in the medication help the airways in the lungs to stay open, making it easier for air to get in and out and making it easier for the person to breathe normally. The medication also contains corticosteroids which reduce swelling and irritation.

Struggling with breathing and suffering with asthma can be debilitating and can hinder daily life, while onset attacks of pain or breathlessness can be painful as well as worrying.

Taking Sereflo will help to manage these conditions, with effects of the active ingredients lasting for at least 12 hours.

It should be noted however, that this medication is a preventative measure and not a quick fix. It will not work in the event of an attack of breathlessness or wheeziness, so if you do have one then you will need to instead use a fast-acting “rescue” inhaler, which you should always have with you.

Sereflo is a prescription-only medication. Always follow the advice of your doctor and read the patient information leaflet provided in the medication packet.

Your doctor or nurse should show you how to properly use your inhaler before starting on this medication. The Sereflo is an inhaler made up of a canister inside a plastic case with a mouthpiece, and there is a dose indicator on the front to tell you how many puffs it has left in it.

To administer a dose, stand or sit upright and hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece at the bottom. Remove the mouthpiece cover, shake well and then breathe out as far as is comfortable. Immediately place the inhaler between your teeth (without biting down) and close your lips around it. Begin to breathe in deeply and slowly while pressing down on the top of the canister to release the medicine. Hold your breath for at least a few seconds and then remove the inhaler from your mouth, and breathe out slowly. Wait a minute or two before administering another puff in the same way, and always replace the mouthpiece cover after use.

After use, it’s also a good idea to rinse your mouth out or brush your teeth, as leftover residue from the medication can leave you with a strange taste, and can also lead to thrush of the mouth or hoarseness.

Sereflo dosage

Sereflo contains the active ingredients salmeterol and fluticasone propionate, available in strengths of either 25/125 micrograms or 25/250 micrograms respectively, per delivered dose.

The recommended dose is two inhalations twice a day, suitably spaced apart (ideally 12 hours, seeing as this is how long the medication works for). This dose is for adults, as this inhaler is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18. Your doctor will prescribe the strength of inhaler based on your specific symptoms and you should not take a different dose unless specifically told to.

Each time you use your inhaler, the dose indicator will count down so that when the numbers get low, you know to see your doctor to get a new one.

If you forget to use your Sereflo then you should skip the forgotten dose and move straight onto the next one. Don’t double up on your dose to make up for a missed one.

If you take more Sereflo than you should, then contact your doctor or pharmacist. Side effects of overdose include your heart beating faster than usual, feeling shaky, or developing a headache.

Before taking Sereflo, you should always first consult your doctor. You should not take Sereflo if any of the following apply to you:

• If you are allergic to salmeterol, fluticasone propionate or any of the ingredients in this medicine

Your prescription of Sereflo may also be affected by a number of other factors, so you should make your doctor aware if any of the following apply:

• Heart disease, including an irregular or fast heart beat
• Overactive thyroid gland
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Low potassium in your blood
• Tuberculosis (TB) now, or in the past, or other lung infections

Like many medications with active ingredients, Sereflo can affect or be affected by other medicines. Particular medications that you may experience this with include the following:

• beta blockers (such as atenolol, propranolol and sotalol)
• Medicines to treat infections
• Corticosteroids (by mouth or by injection)
• Diuretics, also known as ‘water tablets’ used to treat high blood pressure
• Other bronchodilators (such as salbutamol)
• Xanthine medicines (used to treat asthma)

If you are taking any of the above medications, then you should make your doctor aware so that they can advise whether or not Sereflo will be the best course of action for you.

Bear in mind that Sereflo is an ongoing treatment and should not be relied upon in the event of an attack of breathlessness. You should therefore always have a fast-acting “rescue” inhaler with you, for use in these circumstances.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding then you should consult your doctor before starting this medication, as they may decide that another treatment is more appropriate.

The most common side effects of using Sereflo include:

• Headache
• Increased number of colds
• Thrush (sore, creamy-yellow, raised patches) in the mouth and throat
• sore tongue, hoarse voice and throat irritation
• Aching, swollen joints and muscle pain
• Muscle cramps
• Bruising and fractures
• Inflammation of sinuses (a feeling of tension or fullness in the nose, cheeks and behind the eyes, sometimes with a throbbing ache)
• A reduction in the amount of potassium in the blood

If you do experience one or more of these side effects and they persist or worsen, then inform your doctor right away. You should also contact your doctor if you notice any serious side effects such as worsening of breathing ability, fainting or skin reactions.

You can safely buy Sereflo online at UK Meds. You will first need to have an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Sereflo is the right medication for your medical condition.