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Serevent Diskus (salmeterol xinafoate inhalation powder)

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By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: December 2023

Serevent Diskus® (salmeterol xinafoate inhalation powder) is an inhaled medicine that is a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA). Serevent Diskus is a long-term maintenance treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It should not be used as a rescue medicine for treating sudden breathing problems.1

What are the ingredients in Serevent Diskus?

The active ingredient in Serevent Diskus is salmeterol xinafoate.1

How does Serevent Diskus work?

COPD can cause symptoms such as:2

Serevent is part of the LABA class of drugs. LABAs work by stimulating B2 receptors. This process relaxes muscles in the airways, which reduces the symptoms of COPD.1

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What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects of Serevent Diskus include:1

  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Muscle pain
  • Respiratory infection
  • Throat irritation

Serevent Diskus may also cause serious side effects, including:1

  • Allergic reactions like rash, hives, or breathing problems
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Chest pain
  • Shakiness (tremors)
  • High blood sugar
  • Low potassium levels

If your breathing problems quickly worsen after taking Serevent Diskus, seek emergency help by calling 9-1-1.1

Serevent Diskus has a boxed warning, the strictest warning from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It has this warning because:1

  • People with asthma who take LABA medicines without inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) have an increased risk of death from asthma problems.
  • Children and teens with asthma who take LABA without ICS are more likely to need to go to the hospital with asthma problems.

These are not all the possible side effects of Serevent Diskus. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Serevent Diskus. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Serevent Diskus.1

Other things to know

Serevent Diskus is usually taken twice daily for maintenance treatment of COPD. Your doctor will teach you how to take this medicine.1

Serevent Diskus is not a rescue inhaler. If you have trouble breathing, Serevent Diskus will not work right away. Talk to your doctor about rescue inhalers for when you need to quickly relieve trouble breathing.1

Continue taking your other medicines that help you breathe as directed by your doctor. Do not stop any of your medicines just because you are started on Serevent Diskus.1

Before using Serevent Diskus, tell your doctor if you have:1

  • Heart problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Seizures
  • Thyroid issues
  • Diabetes
  • Liver problems

There is not enough data to know if Serevent Diskus is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. They can help you decide if Serevent Diskus is right for you.1

Take Serevent Diskus as directed. Do not take more doses than your doctor prescribes.1

Serevent Diskus may interact with other medicines. Before beginning treatment for COPD, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.1

For more information, read the full prescribing information of Serevent Diskus.