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Serevent (Salmeterol): 7 FAQs Inc. Side Effects, Usage, and Cost

Answers to the most common questions about Serevent

Serevent, sold under the brand name Salmeterol, is a medication used to manage symptoms produced by COPD and asthma. Usually, symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing are targeted with Serevent treatment. First approved in 1990, Serevent has since become a common prescription around the world.

The content on this page is provided for informational purposes only. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, you should talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional. This is particularly important if you are taking multiple medications or have any existing medical conditions.

What are the side effects of Serevent (salmeterol)?

Serevent may potentially cause side effects ranging from mild to severe. The list below includes some of the most common side effects but is not a complete list. Mild side effects may go away after a few days or weeks of consistent medication-taking, but if they persist or worsen you should speak with your doctor.

Common side effects:

  • Headache
  • Irritated throat
  • Runny nose
  • Stuffy nose
  • Tight feeling in the chest

Severe side effects:

  • Blistering
  • Blurry vision
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Unusual thirst
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Irregular heartbeat

If you experience any of these serious side effects, you should speak with your doctor or seek immediate medical attention if it is an emergency.

In some rare cases, patients can experience allergic reactions. Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms after taking Serevent.

  • Skin rash
  • Wheezing
  • Tightness in the throat or chest
  • Difficulty talking or breathing
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

How do I use the Serevent diskus (salmeterol)?

Many patients find that the diskus style inhaler is easier to use than a traditional inhaler. That said, it’s still important to make sure you’re using it right, as there’s often no way to taste the medicine and tell that it’s been administered correctly. You can refer to the following instructions and the video below to fully understand how to use your inhaler.

  • Hold the inhaler in your hand, push the notch back until you hear a click. You should now be able to see the mouthpiece and lever.
  • Slide the lever until it clicks, this means the medication is now loaded.
  • Exhale completely and place the mouthpiece in your mouth, ensuring that your teeth and tongue don’t block the mouthpiece.
  • Breath steadily, as deeply as you can.
  • Remove the diskus from your mouth but continue holding your breath for 5-10 seconds before breathing out.
  • Close the diskus to ensure dust doesn’t collect in or around the mouthpiece.

It’s important to note that the Serevent diskus is not a rescue inhaler and it may not be able to treat sudden-onset symptoms. You should always carry a rescue inhaler with you.

How much does Serevent cost?

The price of Serevent may vary greatly depending on location and insurance coverage. However, the cash price is around $440USD for 60 doses. Since Serevent is typically taken twice daily, this price is about what patients can expect to pay for a monthly supply of Serevent.

Is Serevent (salmeterol) a steroid?

Serevent is not a steroid. Rather, it is a long-acting beta-antagonist, or LABA, that works by relaxing muscles controlling airflow to the lungs. Steroid containing inhalers require patients to rinse their mouths after use, this is not the case with Serevent.

Are there alternatives to the Serevent diskus (salmeterol)?

An alternative to Serevent is Foradil Aerolizer. Advair, Dulera, Symbicort, and Breo are inhaler medications that contain a combination of a steroid and a LABA. They have similar indication for use as compared to Salmeterol.

How does Serevent work (salmeterol)?

Serevent is a long-acting beta-antagonist or LABA. Drugs in this class work by relaxing the smooth muscle lining the lungs, and causes the airways to open up. This helps relieve symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. In turn, this helps to relieve symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.

Is there a generic version of Serevent (salmeterol)?

At the moment, there is no generic version of Serevent available in the US. If you see one (on an online pharmacy, for example) it may be fraudulent and illegal. This means it may also be potentially dangerous, if you’re unsure about a medication you’ve purchased or are planning to purchase, speak with your doctor.


The content on this page is provided for informational purposes only. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, you should talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional. This is particularly important if you are taking multiple medications or have any existing medical conditions.