Fluticasone; Salmeterol inhalation aerosol

What is this medicine?

FLUTICASONE; SALMETEROL (floo TIK a sone; sal ME te role) inhalation is a combination of two medicines that decrease inflammation and help to open up the airways of your lungs. It is used to treat asthma. Do NOT use for an acute asthma attack.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is inhaled through the mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well for 5 seconds before each use. After using the inhaler, rinse your mouth with water. Make sure not to swallow the water. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask you doctor or health care provider if you have any questions.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• changes in vision

• chest pain

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• fever or chills

• irregular heartbeat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• coughing, hoarseness, throat irritation

• headache

• nervousness

• stomach problems

• stuffy nose

• tremors

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• aminophylline or theophylline

• antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS

• beta-blockers like metoprolol and propranolol

• certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, linezolid, and telithromycin

• certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole

• conivaptan

• diuretics

• medicines for colds

• medicines for depression or emotional conditions

• nefazodone

• vaccines

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose and continue with your regular schedule, spacing doses evenly. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Store inhaler with the mouthpiece down. Throw away the inhaler when the dose indicator reads 000, or after the expiration date, whichever comes first.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bone problems

• immune system problems

• diabetes

• heart disease or irregular heartbeat

• high blood pressure

• infection

• pheochromocytoma

• seizures

• thyroid disease

• worsening asthma

• an unusual or allergic reaction to fluticasone; salmeterol, other corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for regular check ups. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not get better. Do not use this medicine more than every 12 hours.

NEVER use this medicine for an acute asthma attack. You should use your short-acting rescue inhalers for this purpose. If your symptoms get worse or if you need your short-acting inhalers more often, call your doctor right away.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.