A combination preventer inhaler containing fluticasone propionate 100 micrograms (ICS) and salmeterol 50 micrograms (LABA) per dose, delivered through the Accuhaler dry powder device for the daily management of asthma and COPD. Consequently, supplied at Courier Pharmacy after an online consultation reviewed by a UK pharmacist prescriber, then delivered to your door.
Notably, Seretide Accuhaler is a combination dry powder inhaler used as a preventer (controller) medicine for the long-term management of asthma and COPD. Furthermore, each blister in the device delivers:
Fluticasone propionate 100 micrograms (the ICS or steroid part)
Salmeterol 50 micrograms (the LABA or long-acting reliever part)
Additionally, the device holds 60 blisters (60 doses). Firstly, standard use is 1 inhalation twice daily, which gives around 30 days of treatment per device.
Specifically, the salmeterol dose stays the same across strengths. However, the fluticasone dose changes between strengths. Meanwhile, moving up a strength is based on your asthma control.
The Evohaler alternative
Seretide is also available as Evohaler (pressurised metered-dose inhaler form) with different fluticasone strengths (50/125/250 micrograms) suited to the smaller pMDI dose. In fact, GSK makes the Accuhaler as a DPI (dry powder inhaler) device.
What sets Seretide apart from other inhaler categories
Several features set Seretide apart:
Combination preventer — two medicines that work together, in one inhaler
Daily preventer therapy — taken even when you feel well, not just during attacks
Twice-daily dosing — once in the morning, once in the evening
12-hour bronchodilator effect — salmeterol opens the airways for 12 hours
Anti-inflammatory — fluticasone calms the underlying airway swelling
Accuhaler device — DPI with lever loading, 60-dose disc, and a built-in counter
How the two components work together
In particular, the two components in Seretide do different jobs.
Fluticasone propionate (ICS): the steroid part
Firstly, fluticasone propionate treats the underlying swelling in your airways. Furthermore, asthma is fundamentally an inflammatory condition — the ongoing swelling causes the airways to become twitchy and narrow. As a result, the ICS treats the cause, not just the symptoms. Additionally, the effect builds over 1-2 weeks of steady use. However, the full benefit usually takes 4-6 weeks.
Salmeterol (LABA): the long-acting reliever part
Meanwhile, salmeterol keeps the airways open for 12 hours by acting on beta-2 receptors. Similarly, it works like salbutamol but for much longer. However, its onset takes 30-60 minutes (slower than salbutamol’s 3-5 minutes). In contrast, its effect lasts 12 hours rather than 4-6.
Why combination therapy works better than ICS alone
In short, the combination gives better asthma control than ICS alone for many patients. Furthermore, studies show:
Better symptom control
Better lung function (FEV1, peak flow)
Fewer flare-ups
Less reliever use
Better quality of life
The LABA safety story: why the combination matters
Firstly, in the early 2000s, large studies and reviews showed that LABA used alone (without an ICS) was linked to increased asthma deaths. Indeed, the SMART study (Salmeterol Multicenter Asthma Research Trial) was a landmark in this safety review. As a result, the FDA placed a black box warning on LABA monotherapy.
Why LABA alone was a problem
Generally, LABA gives symptom relief that can mask worsening underlying swelling. As a result, patients felt better but their asthma was actually getting worse. Furthermore, when severe attacks happened, the LABA did not address them. By then, the underlying swelling had reached a dangerous level.
The combination as the solution
In addition, the solution was clear: combine LABA with ICS in a single inhaler. Firstly, the ICS treats the swelling. Then, the LABA opens the airways. Above all, they are always taken together. As a result, this removed the safety problem of LABA monotherapy. Furthermore, this is now the basis for current asthma guidelines worldwide.
Why Seretide is a fixed combination
This is why Seretide is a fixed combination — taking the two medicines separately (one inhaler for fluticasone, another for salmeterol) is no longer standard practice for asthma. For example, the combination makes sure you cannot use the LABA without the ICS.
Who uses Seretide Accuhaler 100
Firstly, Seretide Accuhaler 100 suits several patient groups:
Adults and children 4+ with asthma at Step 3 or 4 of the BTS/SIGN guideline ladder (not well controlled on ICS alone)
Adults and children with ongoing asthma symptoms despite daily ICS at a moderate dose
Patients with frequent flare-ups on ICS alone
COPD patients with frequent flare-ups or moderate-to-severe disease
Patients stepping down from higher-dose preventers as their control improves
How Seretide compares to other preventer options
Furthermore, understanding how Seretide sits alongside other options helps:
Vs ICS-only preventer (Clenil, Flixotide, Pulmicort) — Seretide adds LABA for extra airway opening
Vs Symbicort (budesonide + formoterol) — similar concept, different ICS and different LABA (formoterol has faster onset and is licensed for MART therapy in some products)
Vs Fostair (beclometasone + formoterol) — extra-fine particle ICS plus formoterol. In theory, smaller particle size improves reach into the small airways.
Vs LAMA (Spiriva) — different mechanism (muscarinic blockade). Useful for COPD, less common for asthma.
Vs biologic therapies (omalizumab, mepolizumab) — for severe specific types of asthma. Specialist use only.
Why combination preventers matter
Importantly, for people living with asthma, the combination preventer is one of the most effective tools available. On the other hand, the combination approach addresses both parts of the disease (swelling plus airway tightening) in a single twice-daily inhaler.
How Courier Pharmacy supplies Seretide Accuhaler 100
At Courier Pharmacy, a UK pharmacist prescriber reviews every Seretide supply. Therefore, we will ask about your asthma control, your previous inhaler history, and how often you use your reliever. Then, we will confirm the Accuhaler technique that makes the medicine work.
Features and specifications
Active ingredients: fluticasone propionate 100mcg + salmeterol 50mcg per dose
Asthma that wasn’t fully controlled on a preventer alone — the cough that lingered between flare-ups, the reliever you needed 4 or 5 times a week, the chest tightness that came back during cold weather or pollen season.
Maybe your GP has stepped you up from a low-dose beclometasone preventer to a combination inhaler that includes a long-acting bronchodilator alongside the steroid.
Seretide Accuhaler 100 contains fluticasone propionate 100 micrograms (an inhaled corticosteroid, ICS) combined with salmeterol 50 micrograms (a long-acting beta-2 agonist, LABA) — a daily preventer that addresses both inflammation and bronchoconstriction in a single twice-daily inhaler. At Courier Pharmacy we want you to understand exactly how the two ingredients work together, why this is a preventer not a reliever, the rinse-and-spit technique that protects you from oral thrush, and the LABA-monotherapy history that explains why the combination is used.
Five key takeaways
Seretide Accuhaler 100 is a combination dry powder inhaler containing fluticasone propionate 100 micrograms (inhaled corticosteroid, ICS) and salmeterol 50 micrograms (long-acting beta-2 agonist, LABA) per blister. Made by GSK using the Accuhaler device, with 60 doses per device. Available in three strengths (100, 250, 500 — referring to the fluticasone microgram dose); the salmeterol dose remains 50 micrograms across all three strengths.
This is a PREVENTER, not a reliever. Taken once or twice daily even when feeling well, not when you have an attack. Onset of full effect takes 30-60 minutes (the salmeterol LABA component) and develops further over 1-2 weeks (the fluticasone ICS component). Never use Seretide as your reliever during an asthma attack — you still need a SABA (Ventolin, etc.) for acute relief.
Two complementary mechanisms in one inhaler: fluticasone reduces airway inflammation (the underlying disease process); salmeterol relaxes bronchial smooth muscle for 12 hours. The combination provides better asthma control than ICS alone for many patients and removes the historical safety problem of LABA monotherapy (LABA without ICS was associated with increased asthma death risk).
Critical technique points: forceful inhalation (DPI requires inspiratory effort), and rinse-and-spit immediately after each use to prevent oral thrush (candidiasis) and dysphonia (voice changes) — common ICS side effects that the rinse prevents. The Accuhaler’s lever-actuated loading is the same mechanism as Ventolin Accuhaler.
Suitable for asthma in adults and children 4+, and for COPD in adults. Step 3-4 on the BTS/SIGN asthma guideline ladder. Generally not first-line for newly diagnosed mild asthma; reserved for patients with inadequate control on ICS alone. Made by GSK.
The Asthma treatment steps
Step 1: short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) as needed for very mild intermittent symptoms (no longer recommended without ICS in most cases)
Step 2: low-dose ICS preventer plus SABA reliever
Step 3: low-dose ICS-LABA combination (Seretide 100, etc.) — or step up the ICS dose
Step 4: moderate-dose ICS-LABA, sometimes with leukotriene receptor antagonist
Furthermore, seretide 100 sits at Step 3. The 250 strength is for Step 3-4. Specifically, the 500 strength is for Step 4-5. Movement between strengths is based on control.
Meanwhile, for people living with asthma, the combination preventer represents a step-up from ICS-only therapy. In fact, the decision to step up is usually based on:
Reliever use exceeding 3 times a week
Nocturnal symptoms more than 1 night a week
Symptoms during normal activity
Exacerbations needing oral steroids
Peak flow variability
Why choose Courier Pharmacy for Seretide Accuhaler 100
In particular, seretide is one of the most prescribed combination inhalers in the UK, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Patients regularly use it as a reliever (it isn’t), skip the rinse-and-spit (essential), or use it inconsistently (defeats the purpose). In short, every Seretide supply at Courier Pharmacy is reviewed by a UK pharmacist prescriber who confirms the technique, the indication, and the place in your overall asthma management.
We’ll discuss the preventer-not-reliever distinction. Seretide is taken daily even when you feel well; it doesn’t replace your reliever for acute attacks. Similarly, many patients don’t realise this, particularly when they’re well-controlled and feel they don’t need the daily dose. The fluticasone effect builds over weeks and dissipates over days if doses are skipped.
We’ll explain the rinse-and-spit. Indeed, oral thrush during ICS therapy is the most common preventable side effect. As a result, A 10-second water rinse after every dose, every day, prevents it for most patients. Skipping the rinse “just this once” is how candida colonisation starts.
We’ll discuss the Accuhaler technique. Generally, the lever loading, the forceful inhalation, the breath hold. These aren’t optional — they determine whether the medicine reaches the airways. In addition, we can walk through them and check your technique at our community drop-ins if you’d like.
What to know
We’ll explain the LABA monotherapy story and why the fixed combination matters. Additionally, the SMART study, the FDA black box, the modern combination approach — the safety story is the reason Seretide exists in this form rather than as two separate inhalers. For example, patients should never have LABA without ICS in asthma.
We’ll discuss the step-up and step-down framework. Asthma management is dynamic. Importantly, if your control is poor, the answer is often a step up (Seretide 250 or 500) rather than more reliever use. If your control is excellent over a sustained period, a step-down trial can sometimes maintain control on less medication.
On the other hand, our brand guide, Dr Ada Jex-Cori, sums it up: you’re not broken. Therefore, the system that’s failed you might be. We want to do the part we can do, properly, and connect you with the rest. Consequently, that includes our free fortnightly drop-in clinics and talks at Insomnia in Derby, where you can ask questions face-to-face without spending a penny.
Buy Seretide Accuhaler 100 from Courier Pharmacy
Seretide Accuhaler 100 is a prescription only medicine in the UK. However, buying through Courier Pharmacy is straightforward and built around your time, not ours.
Here’s how it works:
Complete a quick online consultation about your asthma or COPD and current inhaler regimen
A UK pharmacist prescriber reviews your information
If suitable, a prescription is issued
We dispense and deliver discreetly to your door
If it isn’t suitable for you, we’ll explain why and suggest the next best option.
Active Ingredients
Seretide contains two active ingredients working through complementary mechanisms.
Fluticasone propionate (the ICS component):
Class: inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
Synthetic glucocorticoid with high topical anti-inflammatory potency
Among the most lipophilic ICS molecules, allowing good airway tissue penetration
Relatively low oral bioavailability (around 1%) because of high first-pass metabolism — minimises systemic effects from any swallowed dose
Mechanism of action:
Diffuses across the bronchial cell membrane
Binds to the cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptor
The receptor-ligand complex enters the nucleus and modifies gene expression
In particular, the principal therapeutic effects in asthma:
Reduces underlying chronic inflammation
Reduces airway hyperreactivity
Reduces frequency and severity of exacerbations
Reduces mucus production
Improves lung function over time
Reduces SABA requirement
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: predominantly from lung tissue; small amount swallowed
Lung deposition: 10-20% of nominal dose with correct DPI technique
Oral bioavailability: ~1% due to extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism
Half-life: 7-8 hours
Metabolism: hepatic (CYP3A4)
Excretion: hepatic (faeces) and renal (small amount)
Salmeterol (the LABA component):
Class: long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA)
Highly lipophilic, anchors in the lipid environment around the beta-2 receptor
Provides 12-hour duration of bronchodilation
Different to salbutamol (short-acting) in duration; similar in mechanism
Mechanism of action:
Activates beta-2 adrenergic receptors on bronchial smooth muscle
The lipid anchor allows sustained interaction with the receptor over hours
Triggers cAMP elevation, protein kinase A activation
Smooth muscle relaxation
Bronchial dilation lasting 12 hours
The principal therapeutic effects:
Sustained bronchodilation for 12 hours
Reduced symptom frequency
Reduced reliever requirement
Better baseline lung function
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: predominantly from lung tissue
Onset: 10-20 minutes for partial effect; 30-60 minutes for peak
Duration: 12 hours
Half-life: 5.5 hours (parent drug; the receptor binding effect is longer)
Metabolism: hepatic
Excretion: predominantly faecal
The combination synergy:
The two components work better together than either alone:
ICS reduces inflammation
LABA provides bronchodilation
ICS may upregulate beta-2 receptors, enhancing LABA effect
LABA may improve ICS deposition through bronchodilation, opening the airways
The fixed combination eliminates the LABA-monotherapy safety risk
In short, other excipients in Seretide Accuhaler include lactose monohydrate (the powder carrier). Specific excipients are on the patient information leaflet.
What is it for?
Similarly, Seretide Accuhaler is used as preventer (controller) therapy for:
Asthma in adults particularly at Step 3-4 of treatment, where ICS alone is insufficient
Asthma with persistent symptoms despite consistent moderate-dose ICS
Asthma with frequent exacerbations
Asthma with high reliever use (>3 times a week or daily)
COPD in adults — for moderate-to-severe disease with frequent exacerbations
Patients stepping down from higher-dose ICS-LABA combinations as part of optimisation
It's appropriate for:
Daily long-term use (not as-needed)
Combined with SABA reliever (Ventolin, etc.) for acute relief
Patients who can use a DPI correctly (forceful inhalation)
Adults and older children who can perform the Accuhaler loading technique
Indeed, seretide Accuhaler is not appropriate for:
Acute asthma attacks (use SABA reliever)
Mild intermittent asthma at Step 1-2 (low-dose ICS alone is sufficient)
Patients with hypersensitivity to fluticasone, salmeterol, or lactose
Children under 4 (limited safety and technique evidence)
Patients with severe lactose intolerance
Use as the only inhaler in asthma (a SABA for emergency use should always be available)
NICE NG80, BTS/SIGN guidelines, and GINA all position combination ICS-LABA as Step 3+ asthma therapy, with strict emphasis on avoiding LABA monotherapy.
How does it work?
As a result, asthma involves chronic inflammation, airway hyperreactivity, and variable bronchoconstriction. Seretide addresses both the inflammation (with fluticasone) and the bronchoconstriction (with salmeterol).
Generally, the inflammatory pathway (addressed by fluticasone):
Allergens, viruses, or other triggers activate immune cells in the airway
Severe hepatic impairment (fluticasone metabolism may be affected)
Pregnancy and breastfeeding (use generally considered acceptable; uncontrolled asthma is worse)
Elderly patients (greater vulnerability to ICS systemic effects from long-term use)
Patients with risk factors for osteoporosis (long-term high-dose ICS can affect bone density)
The LABA monotherapy warning:
Historically, LABA used without ICS was associated with increased asthma deaths. Importantly, this is the basis for fixed-combination products like Seretide. Patients should never receive a LABA inhaler without an ICS inhaler in asthma. The fixed combination ensures this.
The oral candidiasis warning:
On the other hand, ICS use is the principal risk factor for oral candidiasis. Without rinse-and-spit:
5-30% of patients develop thrush during ICS therapy
More common with higher doses
More common with poor technique
More common in patients with other risk factors (diabetes, immunosuppression)
Therefore, the rinse-and-spit reduces this risk substantially. Treating thrush:
Antifungal lozenges or oral suspension (nystatin, miconazole gel)
Continue ICS while treating thrush
Improve technique and rinse-and-spit afterwards
The dysphonia warning:
ICS use can cause:
Hoarse voice
Weak voice
Throat irritation
Cough
Usually mild and reversible. Improves with technique adjustment, rinse-and-spit, and sometimes brief breaks if severe.
Consequently, the HPA axis warning (with long-term high-dose use):
Fluticasone at high doses over months can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis:
Mild adrenal suppression in some patients
Rarely clinically significant
More likely at Seretide 500 long-term than at Seretide 100
Monitored by occasional cortisol testing for high-dose patients
The osteoporosis consideration:
However, long-term high-dose ICS can affect bone density. Mostly relevant for:
Patients on Seretide 500 long-term
Post-menopausal women
Patients with other osteoporosis risk factors
Moreover, not a concern for Seretide 100 short-to-medium term use in most patients.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
Inhaled ICS-LABA is generally considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding. In summary, uncontrolled asthma is more dangerous to mother and baby than appropriate inhaler use.
Other LABAs (formoterol, vilanterol, etc.): avoid combining; additive cardiovascular effects
If you experience signs of an allergic reaction (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty) seek immediate medical attention.
Side Effects
Overall, seretide is well-tolerated for most patients. Side effects relate to either the ICS or LABA component.
Notably, common side effects, between 1 in 100 and 1 in 10 people, include throat irritation, hoarseness (dysphonia), oral candidiasis (thrush), headache, tremor, palpitations, muscle cramps, and pneumonia in COPD patients.
Furthermore, uncommon side effects, between 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 100 people, include cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions, dyspnoea, paradoxical bronchospasm (worsening wheeze immediately after use — discontinue), hyperglycaemia, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and behavioural changes (especially in children).
Rare side effects, fewer than 1 in 1,000 people, include angioedema (face, mouth, throat swelling), hypokalaemia (low potassium), arrhythmia (including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia), and adrenal suppression.
Specifically, very rare and serious side effects include severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, severe behavioural disturbances in children, glaucoma, cataracts (with long-term high-dose use), and significant adrenal crisis.
If you experience any side effect that worries you, you can report it directly to the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme. Meanwhile, this helps improve safety data for everyone who uses the product. Our pharmacy team are happy to help you submit a Yellow Card report if you'd like assistance.
Drug Interactions
Clinically relevant interactions:
Ritonavir and other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: increase fluticasone systemic exposure significantly; can cause systemic corticosteroid effects (Cushing-like syndrome). Avoid combination if possible; use alternative ICS (budesonide) or non-CYP3A4 antiretroviral
Ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin (other CYP3A4 inhibitors): similar mechanism; less marked than ritonavir but caution needed
Beta-blockers (non-selective): antagonise salmeterol; avoid in asthma patients; cardioselective beta-blockers may be safer but caution still needed
Other LABAs: additive cardiovascular effects; do not combine
Loop and thiazide diuretics: additive hypokalaemia
Theophylline: additive hypokalaemia and arrhythmia at high doses
Oral corticosteroids: additive systemic corticosteroid effects with long-term high-dose ICS
Digoxin: salmeterol-induced hypokalaemia can precipitate digoxin toxicity
In fact, tell your pharmacist about all medicines you take when starting any new inhaler.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Seretide Accuhaler 100 used for?
Moreover, seretide Accuhaler 100 is a combination preventer inhaler for the daily management of asthma and COPD. In summary, it contains an inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone propionate 100 micrograms) plus a long-acting beta-2 agonist (salmeterol 50 micrograms) per dose.
Is Seretide a reliever inhaler?
No. Seretide is a PREVENTER, taken daily even when feeling well. Overall, for an acute asthma attack, you need a SABA reliever (Ventolin, Salbutamol Easyhaler, etc.). Seretide takes 30-60 minutes to act; relievers act within 3-5 minutes.
How do the two ingredients work together?
Notably, fluticasone (ICS) reduces the underlying airway inflammation that drives asthma. Salmeterol (LABA) relaxes bronchial smooth muscle for 12 hours, providing sustained bronchodilation. Furthermore, together they address both the inflammation and the bronchospasm.
Why is it a combination rather than two separate inhalers?
Specifically, the fixed combination ensures you cannot use the LABA without the ICS. LABA monotherapy without ICS was historically associated with increased asthma deaths (the SMART study, FDA black box). Meanwhile, the combination removes this risk while providing the dual mechanism.
Why must I rinse my mouth after using Seretide?
The ICS component deposits some of each dose in the mouth and throat. In fact, if left there, it can cause oral candidiasis (thrush) and dysphonia (hoarse voice). Rinsing with water and spitting (not swallowing the rinse) washes away the residual and prevents these side effects.
How long does it take to work?
In particular, the salmeterol provides bronchodilation within 30-60 minutes of each dose. In short, the fluticasone anti-inflammatory effect builds over 1-2 weeks of consistent use, with full benefit typically by 4-6 weeks.
What's the difference between Seretide 100, 250, and 500?
The fluticasone dose increases (100, 250, or 500 micrograms per dose); the salmeterol dose stays the same (50 micrograms). Similarly, higher strengths are used for more difficult-to-control asthma, typically by stepping up from lower strengths.
How is Seretide Accuhaler different from Seretide Evohaler?
Same active ingredients but different device. Indeed, accuhaler is dry powder; Evohaler is pressurised metered dose (with propellant). Doses differ slightly between forms (Accuhaler 100/250/500; Evohaler 50/125/250). As a result, use whichever device you can use correctly.
Can children use Seretide?
Generally, the Accuhaler is licensed from age 4+ for the 100 strength (lower dose more suitable for paediatric use). Higher strengths (250, 500) are typically not used in young children.
Can I use Seretide during pregnancy?
Yes. In addition, inhaled ICS-LABA is generally considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Uncontrolled asthma is more dangerous to mother and baby than appropriate inhaler use. Additionally, don't stop or reduce without specialist advice.
What if I forget a dose?
For example, take it as soon as you remember unless it's close to the next dose; don't double up. Occasional missed doses don't undo the benefit, but consistent regular use is what works.
What if I run out?
Reorder before running out. Importantly, the fluticasone effect dissipates over days to a couple of weeks if doses are skipped. Don't let your asthma destabilise because of a gap in supply.
Can I stop Seretide if I feel well?
Don't stop without medical advice. On the other hand, if your asthma is well-controlled on Seretide, the answer is often to discuss step-down (to a lower strength) with your GP rather than stopping. Sudden stopping can lead to rebound symptoms and exacerbations.
Will Seretide cure my asthma?
No. Therefore, seretide controls asthma; it doesn't cure it. Consequently, asthma is a chronic condition with periods of variable activity. Effective preventer therapy can keep you symptom-free, but the underlying tendency to airway inflammation remains.
Why do I get a hoarse voice with Seretide?
However, the ICS deposits in the throat and can affect the larynx, causing dysphonia. Rinse-and-spit after every dose reduces this; gargling water rather than just rinsing the mouth can help. Moreover, if hoarseness is persistent and bothersome, mention to your GP.
What if I develop oral thrush?
White patches in the mouth indicate oral candidiasis. In summary, treatable with antifungal lozenges (nystatin, miconazole gel). Overall, continue Seretide while treating thrush; improve your rinse-and-spit technique. If recurrent, your GP may consider strength reduction or device change.
Can I exercise on Seretide?
Yes. Notably, many patients find their exercise tolerance improves significantly with effective preventer therapy. Use your SABA 15 minutes before exercise if exercise-induced symptoms occur.
What if I have a cold or chest infection?
Continue Seretide as normal. Furthermore, reliever use may temporarily increase during the illness. If reliever use stays elevated beyond the illness resolution, see your GP for review.
Can I use Seretide and Ventolin together?
Yes — they're complementary. Specifically, seretide is the daily preventer; Ventolin (or another SABA) is the reliever for acute symptoms. Most asthma patients use both.
Why was LABA monotherapy a safety concern?
Meanwhile, LABA alone provides symptomatic bronchodilation but doesn't treat the underlying inflammation. Patients felt better but their disease worsened beneath the surface. In fact, when severe attacks occurred, the LABA didn't address the inflammation, and outcomes were worse. The fixed combination with ICS removes this problem.
What's the difference between Seretide and Symbicort?
Different ICS and different LABA. Seretide = fluticasone + salmeterol. Symbicort = budesonide + formoterol. Both are combination preventers. In particular, symbicort's formoterol has faster onset; some Symbicort regimens (MART) use the same inhaler for both reliever and preventer. Seretide uses a separate SABA for reliever.
Disclaimer: This information is for education only and isn’t a substitute for personal medical advice. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions.
