Do you have difficulty breathing due to asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)? Then your doctor may have told you to use this inhaler. This is a very important medicine that is often given and helps control the disease. So let's talk about it all clearly today.
What exactly is this inhaler?
Simply put, this is a combination of two medications: Fluticasone and Salmeterol .
1. Fluticasone: This is an inhaled steroid. Don't be scared by the word "steroid," this reduces swelling and unnecessary sensitivity in your lungs. Like removing a roadblock, this medication reduces swelling in the airways of your lungs and smooths out your airways.
2. Salmeterol: This is a type of medicine called a bronchodilator. This means that it widens your blocked airways, making it easier to breathe. It is a long-acting type. So it helps keep your airways open throughout the day.
Very important: This is a "controller inhaler" . That means it is used to prevent asthma attacks and control the disease. It is not a "reliever inhaler" that you use when you suddenly have asthma and have difficulty breathing. Your doctor may have given you a separate blue inhaler (Salbutamol) for that.
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
It is very important to give your doctor a complete account of your health, especially if you have any of the conditions listed below, before starting this inhaler.
- Diabetes: This means high blood sugar levels.
- Eye diseases: Conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or blurred vision.
- Heart disease: Heart disease, high blood pressure, or irregular heartbeat.
- Weak immune system: If your body's ability to fight disease is reduced.
- Infections: Especially infectious conditions like Tuberculosis (TB).
- Liver disease.
- Osteoporosis.
- Seizures.
- Other types of steroids: If you are using other types of steroid pills, such as prednisolone.
- Thyroid disease.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
- If you have an allergic reaction to this medicine or other medicines or foods.
How to use the inhaler correctly?
To get the most out of this, it is essential to use the inhaler correctly.
1. Follow your doctor's instructions: Use it exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time, for the right amount of time. Never use more than you need at any one time.
2. Rinse your mouth: After each use of the inhaler, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and spit it out. This is very important. Failure to do so can lead to a fungal infection (thrush) in the mouth.
3. Learn the correct method: If you are not sure about the correct way to use the inhaler, ask your doctor or a nurse at the clinic to learn it again.
4. When given to children: This can be prescribed to children over 12 years of age. But only the doctor will decide on this. The doctor will also regularly monitor the child's development.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you have even the slightest suspicion that you have taken more than you think, don't panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
Other medications that may interact with this inhaler
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines), as some medications may interact with this inhaler.
| Type of medicine | Examples |
|---|---|
| MAOI antidepressants | These should never be taken with this inhaler. |
| Beta-blockers | Metoprolol, Propranolol (used for heart disease and high blood pressure) |
| Antifungal drugs | Ketoconazole, Itraconazole |
| Some antibiotics | Clarithromycin, Erythromycin |
| Medicines for HIV or AIDS | Some antiviral drugs |
| Other | Diuretics, Vaccines |
Things to be careful about when using an inhaler
- Go for regular check-ups: Check in with your doctor regularly to see if your symptoms are improving or worsening.
- Be prepared for emergencies: Talk to your doctor and create an "Asthma Action Plan" about what to do if your asthma suddenly worsens. Keep a reliever inhaler with you at all times. If your breathing difficulty does not improve even after using your reliever, seek medical advice immediately.
- Inhaler-induced shortness of breath: Very rarely, you may experience increased difficulty breathing while using this inhaler. If this happens, stop using the inhaler immediately, use your reliever inhaler, and call your doctor.
- Risk of infection: This medicine may slightly weaken your immune system. Therefore, if you develop symptoms such as fever or cold, do not self-medicate and see a doctor. Avoid places where sick people are.
- Bone health: There is a small risk of bone weakness when taking this medication at high doses for a long time. Talk to your doctor about your bone health.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but most people don't.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, chest pain, dizziness. |
| White spots in the mouth (Thrush) | White fungal infection inside the mouth. |
| Increasing difficulty breathing | Increased difficulty breathing after using the inhaler. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Sore throat, change in voice | Hoarseness of voice, dry throat. |
| Headache | Slight headache. |
| Insomnia | Difficulty falling asleep at night. |
How do you store the medicine?
Keep the inhaler out of the reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature, away from excessive heat. Discard the inhaler when the dose counter on the inhaler reaches "000" or when the expiration date has passed.
Take-Home Message
- This is an inhaler that controls asthma and COPD conditions, not an emergency reliever .
- Always keep your blue reliever inhaler with you.
- Don't forget to rinse your mouth with water after each use of the inhaler and throw it away .
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- If symptoms worsen or severe side effects occur, seek medical advice immediately.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න