USES: This product is used to control and prevent symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma. It contains 2 medications: fluticasone and salmeterol. Fluticasone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing the irritation and swelling of the airways. Salmeterol belongs to a class of drugs known as long-acting beta agonists. It works by opening airways in the lungs to make breathing easier. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school. When used alone, long-acting beta agonists (such as salmeterol) may rarely increase the risk of serious (sometimes fatal) asthma-related breathing problems. However, combination inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta agonists, such as this product, do not increase the risk of serious asthma-related breathing problems. This product should be used when breathing problems are not well controlled with one asthma-control medication (such as inhaled corticosteroid) or if your symptoms need combination treatment. Before using this medication, it is important to learn how to use it properly. This medication must be used regularly to be effective. It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol, also called salbutamol in some countries) as prescribed.

How to use FLUTICASONE/SALMETEROL POWDER INHALER - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Make sure the cap is closed before you start using your inhaler. Hold the inhaler upright and open the cap until it "clicks." Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (in the morning and evening, 12 hours apart). You may or may not taste/feel the drug when you inhale. Either is normal. Do not exhale into the device. Close the cap firmly after each use. Do not take the inhaler apart or wash the mouthpiece or any part of the device. Do not open the cap unless you are ready for your next dose. If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait at least 1 minute between the use of each medication, and use this drug last. To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and oral yeast infections from developing, gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each use. Do not swallow the rinse water. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best if used at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose, use this product more often, or stop using it without talking with your doctor. Also, do not use other long-acting beta agonists while using this medication. If you have been using a quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol, also called salbutamol in some countries) on a regular daily schedule (such as 4 times daily), you must stop this schedule and only use the quick-relief inhaler as needed for sudden shortness of breath/asthma attacks. Consult your doctor for details. If you are regularly using a different corticosteroid taken by mouth (such as prednisone), you should not stop using it unless directed by your doctor. You may have withdrawal symptoms if the drug is suddenly stopped. Some conditions (such as asthma) may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. To prevent withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness), your doctor may direct you to slowly lower the dose of your old medication after you begin using this product. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions right away. See also Precautions section. It may take 1 week or longer before you get the full benefit of this drug. Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day (controller drugs) and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, worsening peak flow meter readings, waking up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler more often (more than 2 days a week), or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away. Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get worse.