Serevent is made by GlaxoSmithKline.
Normally, air moves easily into and out of the lungs through a network of airways. During an
asthma attack, however, the muscles around these airways tighten. This narrows the airways and makes it harder to breathe. This is called bronchospasm.
Serevent is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, or beta agonists for short. Beta agonists stimulate beta receptors in the body, including those on the muscles around airways. This stimulation causes the muscles to relax, which opens up the airways and allows more air to get into and through the lungs. Serevent is a long-acting beta agonist. Because it does not work as quickly as short-acting beta agonists, it should not be used for treating an asthma attack. Rather, it is used twice a day in order to prevent attacks.
The medication also has some effects on decreasing the activity of mast cells in the lungs, which play an important role in inflammation and allergic reactions.
Asthma
In clinical studies, Serevent was shown to improve breathing and to decrease the need for rescue inhalers. The medication also decreased the chance of waking up at night due to asthma. In other studies, when Serevent was given to people who were also taking steroid
asthma medications, it further improved
asthma symptoms. When taken 30 minutes before exercise, it was shown to help prevent
exercise-induced asthma attacks.
COPD
In studies of Serevent for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, it was given to people with chronic bronchitis (with or without
emphysema). People taking the drug showed improved lung function, compared to those not taking it.
Following are some general considerations for when and how to take Serevent:
- The medication is inhaled into the lungs, usually twice daily, with about 12 hours between doses.
- In the past, Serevent came as a typical inhaler. However, it now comes as Serevent Diskus®, which contains dry powder.
- The Serevent Diskus is used differently from older inhalers. It contains small foil pockets that are filled with the powder. These pockets are punctured (by sliding the lever until it clicks), and the powder is inhaled using your own breath.
- Be sure to keep the Serevent Diskus horizontal while using it; otherwise, the powder can spill out. Never exhale into the inhaler, as this will also disrupt the powder.
- Some people may not taste or feel the fine powder, even if they could taste the medication with the old inhaler. Most of the taste is due to propellants, which are not used in the new Serevent Diskus.
- It is important that you learn exactly how to use your inhaler. Make sure your healthcare provider shows you the steps needed to use it.
- Serevent should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Serevent will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Serevent your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on whether you take it on a regular schedule or only when needed to prevent
exercise-induced asthma.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Serevent. However, not everyone who takes the medicine will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
- Headaches
- Bone or muscle pain
- Nasal or sinus congestion
- Irritation or infection of the airway, including bronchitis
- A sore throat.
(Click Serevent Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Serevent if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Serevent may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Chest pain (angina)
- High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Nervousness
- Headaches
- Shakiness (tremors)
- Dry mouth
- Feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart (heart palpitations)
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Insomnia or fatigue
- Seizures
- An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) or a fast heart rate (tachycardia)
- Low potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- Cardiac arrest
- Loss of life.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Serevent Be Stored?
The medication should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Once a Serevent Diskus is removed from its packaging, it must be discarded after six weeks, even if it is not empty.
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Serevent as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Serevent is available in one strength -- Serevent Diskus (containing 60 doses, with 50 mcg of medication per dose).
Currently, there is no generic Serevent licensed for sale
(see Generic Serevent for more information).
