Serkep
Serkep is a medicine that contains two active ingredients, salmeterol and fluticasone propionate, which work together to open airways and reduce lung inflammation, helping to prevent asthma attacks and wheezing.
How to Use
Dosage
Adults 18 years and older: Serkep 25/125 – 2 inhalations twice a day. Serkep 25/250 – 2 inhalations twice a day.
Method
Inhale Serkep through your mouth into your lungs. Breathe out slowly before taking the medicine. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, seal your lips around it, and press the canister firmly while breathing in slowly and deeply. Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each dose to help prevent thrush and hoarseness.
Do not exceed the prescribed dose of 2 inhalations twice a day.
Possible Side Effects
- •Headache, which usually goes away as you continue treatment.
- •More common colds or chest infections in people with COPD.
- •Oral thrush (sore, yellow, raised patches) in the mouth and throat, with pain in the tongue, hoarseness, and throat irritation.
- •Aching, swollen joints and muscle pain.
- •Muscle cramps.
- •Pneumonia and bronchitis (lung infection), with symptoms like increased mucus, fever, chills, increased cough, and worse breathing.
- •Bruises and broken bones.
- •Sinus infections (pressure or stuffiness in nose, cheeks, and behind eyes, sometimes with throbbing pain).
- •Low blood potassium (can cause irregular heartbeats, muscle weakness, or cramps).
- •Increased blood sugar (hyperglycemia). If you have diabetes, you might need to check your blood sugar more often and possibly change your diabetes treatment.
- •Very fast heart rate (tachycardia).
- •Shaking (tremor) and feeling your heart pound (palpitations) – these are usually harmless and lessen with continued treatment.
- •Chest pain.
- •Restlessness or anxiety.
- •Sleep problems.
- •Allergic skin rash.
- •Irregular heart rhythm or extra heartbeats (arrhythmia). Tell your doctor, but do not stop using Serkep unless told to.
- •Fungal infection in the esophagus (food pipe), which can cause difficulty swallowing.
- •Behavioral changes, such as hyperactivity and irritability (seen mostly in children).
- •Weakening of bones.
- •Glaucoma (high eye pressure that can cause vision problems) or cataracts (clouding of the eye's lens).
- •Weight gain.
- •Rounding of the face (moon face, Cushing's syndrome).
- •Slowed growth in children and teenagers.
- •Depression or aggression (more likely in children).
- •Blurred vision.
Important Warnings
- Do not use Serkep if you are allergic to salmeterol, fluticasone, or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- Serkep is not for sudden breathing problems or wheezing. Always use your fast-acting rescue inhaler (like salbutamol) for those. Keep your fast-acting rescue inhaler always available.
- If your asthma gets worse or you have trouble breathing (more wheezing, chest tightness, or need your rescue inhaler more often), contact your doctor right away. Keep using Serkep, but do not increase your dose.
- If you notice signs of an allergic reaction right after using Serkep, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or if your heart beats very fast, stop using Serkep and use your fast-acting rescue inhaler. Contact your doctor immediately.
- Do not stop using Serkep or lower your dose without talking to your doctor first. Stopping suddenly can make your breathing problems worse and may cause adrenal gland problems.
Show 1 more warnings
- This medicine should not be used by children or teenagers under 18 years of age.
Use in Elderly Patients
Suitable for older adults. Potentiates sympathomimetic effects. May cause hypokalaemia. (updated 15.5.2023)