Serevent is a unique reliever asthma treatment manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceutical company. Available in two forms – evohaler and accuhaler, this medicine stands out among the competition due to its unconventionally long-lasting effects. In comparison to traditional reliever medicine that provides a short-term relief in case of an asthma attack, Serevent does the same while also providing protection from repeated attacks for additional 12 hours!

What’s on this page?

The evohaler version is rather similar to a conventional canister inhaler, while accuhaler contains dry powder instead of aerosol.

Asthma prevalence in the UK

Asthma is a chronic and usually long-term condition which is much more common than one might expect. It affects more than 5.5 million people within the United Kingdom alone. This respiratory condition is marked by the inflammation of the airways of the lungs, called bronchi. The inflammatory process occurs when an individual is exposed to so-called triggers, different outside factors which cause the reaction of the body’s immune system. Once this happens, muscles around the bronchi contract and the lining of the airways swell, producing the usual symptoms:

  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Tightness of the chest

When it comes to root causes of asthma, heightened immune response is usually singled out as the main suspect. However, the research in the field has yet to contribute to a broader consensus. For now, we know that an asthma response occurs when the body is exposed to various triggers. They can be rather varied, ranging from outside factors such as smoke particles, allergens, vapours, dust, mould, chemical fumes and vapours, to things such as difference between hot air in the lungs and cold air on the outside, non-optimal levels of air moisture, physical activity and even emotional stress. This is why some scientists have speculated that the condition could be related to repeated exposure to certain irritants during early childhood (or a lack of exposure in some theories) in addition to genetic, hereditary factors.

How does Serevent help with asthma?

The high effectiveness of Serevenet stems from its active ingredient, salmeterol. Salmeterol (also called salmeterol xinafoate) is a beta-2 agonist, similarly to Ventolin, meaning it affects the specialized beta-2 receptors within the human body. Once this interaction occurs, the muscle walls in the inflamed area will slowly begin to relax, reducing the swelling around the bronchi and further contributing to their dilation. In this way, Serevent will eliminate the breathing difficulties which are a core characteristic of an asthma attack.

How is Serevent used?

As Serevent is a prescription-only medicine, it is of uttermost importance to follow the instructions provided by the doctor exactly. By doing this, you will be able to minimize the possibility of potential side effects and allow the treatment to achieve its fullest potential. The usual dose prescribed to asthmatics just starting out with this treatment are two puffs twice per day for evohaler and one puff twice per day for accuhaler. Additionally, the doctor may decide to double your dose if you are affected by a very severe sub-type of asthma. Once administered, the dose should remain active for as long as 12 hours.

It is important not to exceed the prescribed dose. If you take more medicine than you should have, contact your doctor immediately.

The precise instructions for the use of both of the available devices, evohaler and accuhaler can be found in the official patient information leaflet that is issued within every pack of Serevent. Evohaler is very similar to conventional canister inhaler which needs to be pressed down for use. The downside of this is that you will have to pay attention to syncing your breathing with the release of the medicine. On the other hand, accuhaler version is simpler to use as it contains the dose in the form of dry powder which is simply breathed in through a mouthpiece at any time when the device is loaded.

What are Serevent side effects?

Every prescription medicine out there comes with its own array of potential side effects and the same goes for Serevent. The ones that you should be especially aware of include symptoms similar to allergic reaction or the general worsening of asthma symptoms. If any of these occur, be sure to contact the emergency services immediately and ask for a doctor’s advice.

Aside from these very dangerous problems, common to all asthma medicines, some others, more common problems have been identified, including muscle cramps and palpitations, while those rarer might include rash, increased heart rate, dizziness, insomnia and decreased levels of potassium in the blood. Swollen joints and chest pain are considered to be very rare.

Serevent interactions

There are some known interactions between Serevent and other more or less commonly used medicines which you should be aware of. This is why it is important to notify your doctor about any other medications you might be taking. The ones who have known interactions with Serevent include:

  • Ketoconazole
  • Itraconazole
  • Anti-fungal medicines
  • Ritonavir
  • Beta-blockers
  • Propranolol
  • Sotalol
  • Diuretics

Serevent contraindications

In addition, you might not be suitable for Serevent treatment if you’ve been diagnosed with some of the following conditions:

  • Lactose intolerance
  • Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Cardiovascular conditions
  • Irregular or fast heartbeat

In addition, Serevent shouldn’t affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. On the other hand, if you’re pregnant or are currently breastfeeding, then it is better to consult with your doctor prior to the beginning of the treatment.