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Seretide
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Seretide is a dual-action combination inhaler used for the long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), providing improved lung function and symptom prevention through its active ingredients, fluticasone propionate and salmeterol.
- Available in Evohaler (MDI) and Accuhaler (DPI) formats
- Contains a corticosteroid to reduce airway inflammation
- Includes a long-acting bronchodilator for 12-hour relief
- Offered in multiple strengths
More information
Seretide is one of the most reliable preventer treatments we dispense for patients with reversible obstructive airways disease, specifically asthma and COPD. It is typically prescribed when a single steroid inhaler is no longer sufficient to control symptoms like wheezing and breathlessness, combining a preventer and a long-acting muscle relaxant to provide 24-hour coverage.— Rachael Clarke MRCPharm MFRPSI FRSPH (GPHC Number: 2061366)
You can buy Seretide safely through Mail My Meds by completing a convenient online consultation with a UK-registered prescriber to ensure the medication is clinically appropriate for you. Once your consultation is approved, your prescription is fulfilled by our pharmacy (GPHC Number: 9011560) and dispatched via discreet home delivery. This process ensures you receive genuine UK-sourced medication without needing to visit a GP in person for repeat requests.
The cost of Seretide varies depending on the specific device type and dosage strength required for your treatment plan.
Mail My Meds offers several flexible delivery options to ensure you never run out of your essential respiratory medication. We provide standard tracked delivery and express next-day delivery options for orders approved before our daily cut-off time. All packages are sent in discreet, plain packaging to protect your privacy.
Seretide is a combination "preventer" medication designed to treat chronic respiratory conditions, primarily asthma in adults and children, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It contains two medicines that work together to keep the airways open over a long period. Unlike a "reliever" (such as a blue Ventolin inhaler), Seretide is used every day to prevent symptoms from starting rather than treating a sudden asthma attack.
The two active ingredients in Seretide are fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that reduces swelling and irritation in the lungs, while salmeterol is a Long-Acting Beta-2 Agonist (LABA) that keeps the airway muscles relaxed for at least 12 hours.
Most users find that Seretide significantly reduces their reliance on rescue inhalers and improves their overall quality of life by reducing nighttime wakening and exercise-induced breathlessness. While many patients appreciate the "purple inhaler" for its consistent performance, some users report a preference for the Accuhaler (dry powder) over the Evohaler (aerosol) based on their personal inhalation technique and ease of use.
Every Seretide inhaler supplied by Mail My Meds includes a physical copy of the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) inside the box. You should read this document thoroughly before starting your treatment, as it contains vital information regarding ingredients, usage instructions, and potential contraindications specific to the 50, 125, or 250 strengths.
Seretide works by providing a dual-action approach to respiratory health: fluticasone manages the underlying inflammation while salmeterol prevents the airways from narrowing. This preventative mechanism ensures that the bronchial tubes remain clear, making it easier for air to move in and out of the lungs throughout the day and night.
The correct technique for using Seretide depends entirely on whether you have been prescribed the Evohaler or the Accuhaler. For the Evohaler, you must shake the device and breathe in slowly and steadily as you press the canister. For the Accuhaler, you slide the lever to load the powder and breathe in quickly and forcefully. Always rinse your mouth with water after use to prevent oral thrush (a common fungal infection).
Dosage is determined by your clinician based on the severity of your asthma or COPD and is typically used twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.
| Strength | Device Type | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 50 / 125 / 250 | Evohaler (MDI) | 2 puffs twice daily |
| 100 / 250 / 500 | Accuhaler (DPI) | 1 puff twice daily |
Common side effects of Seretide include a hoarse voice, throat irritation, headaches, and muscle cramps. Because it contains a steroid, it can occasionally cause oral thrush if the mouth is not rinsed after use. Rarely, some patients may experience an increased heart rate or a feeling of shakiness due to the salmeterol component.
You should inform your prescriber if you have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or overactive thyroid before using Seretide. This medication contains a steroid. If you are using high doses for a long period, you may require a Steroid Treatment Card. It is not suitable for treating an active, acute asthma attack—always keep your reliever inhaler (e.g., Salbutamol) with you for emergencies.
Seretide is frequently compared to other combination inhalers like Symbicort and Fostair. While all three contain a steroid and a long-acting bronchodilator, Fostair uses "extra-fine" particles that reach deeper into the small airways, and Symbicort can sometimes be used as both a preventer and a reliever (known as MART therapy), whereas Seretide is strictly for regular maintenance.
Can Seretide and Ventolin be used together?
Yes, Seretide and Ventolin (salbutamol) are often used together as part of an asthma management plan where Seretide acts as the daily preventer and Ventolin is used as the rescue reliever. You should continue to use Seretide every day even if you feel well, and only use Ventolin if you experience sudden symptoms.
Does Seretide cause weight gain or high blood pressure?
Inhaled steroids like fluticasone are less likely to cause weight gain than oral steroid tablets, but systemic absorption can occur at very high doses over long periods. Salmeterol can occasionally cause a temporary increase in heart rate or blood pressure in sensitive individuals, so monitoring is advised if you have existing cardiovascular issues.
Can I buy Seretide over the counter in the UK?
No, you cannot buy Seretide over the counter. It is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) that requires a clinical assessment by a healthcare professional. You can, however, obtain a prescription through our online consultation service if you have been previously diagnosed with asthma or COPD.
Our clinical content is regularly reviewed by a team of UK-registered pharmacists and medical experts to ensure all information is up-to-date, accurate, and reflects the latest NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) and BNF (British National Formulary) guidelines.

