Aroflo (Salmeterol & Fluticasone Propionate)

Therapeutic Group : Inhaler

Indications:

Aroflo HFA inhaler is indicated in the regular treatment of asthma where use of a combination product (long-acting ß2-agonist and inhaled corticosteroid) is appropriate:

1. patients not adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and ‘as needed’ inhaled short acting ß2-agonist or

2. patients already adequately controlled on both inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting ß2-agonist.

Dosage & Administration:

Adults and adolescents 12 years and older:
2 puffs of 25 µg Salmeterol and 50 µg Fluticasone Propionate (Aroflo-50) twice daily or 2 puffs of 25 µg Salmeterol and 125 µg Fluticasone Propionate (Aroflo-125) twice daily or 2 puffs of 25 µg Salmeterol and 250 µg Fluticasone Propionate (Aroflo-250) twice daily.

Children (4-12 years):
2 puffs of 25 µg salmeterol and 50 µg Fluticasone Propionate (Aroflo-50) twice daily.

Contrainidications:

Aroflo HFA inhaler is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any of the active substances or to the excipient of this preparation.

Warning & Precautions:

Aroflo HFA inhaler should not be used to treat acute asthma symptoms for which a fast and short acting bronchodilator is required. Aroflo HFA inhaler should not be stopped abruptly. It should be administered with caution in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Aroflo HFA inhaler should be used with caution in patients with severe cardiovascular disorders, heart rhythm abnormalities, diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis, uncorrected hypokalemia or patients predisposed to low levels of serum potassium. Systemic effects may occur with any inhaled corticosteroid, particularly at high doses prescribed for long periods. These effects are much less likely to occur than with oral corticosteroids. It is important, therefore, that the patient is reviewed regularly and the dose of inhaled corticosteroid is reduced to the lowest dose at which effective control of asthma is maintained.

Side effects:

As Aroflo HFA inhaler contains Salmeterol and Fluticasone Propionate, the type and severity of adverse reactions associated with each of the compounds may be expected. There is no incidence of additional adverse events following concurrent administration of the two compounds. The pharmacological side effects of ß2-agonist treatment, such as tremor, palpitations and headache have been reported, but tend to be transient and reduce with regular therapy. Cardiac arrythmia may occur. There have been reports of arthralgia and hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, oedema and angioedema. There have been reports of oropharyngial irritation.
Due to the Fluticasone Propionate component, hoarseness and candidiasis (thrush) of the mouth and throat can occur in some patients. Both hoarseness and incidence of candidiasis may be relieved by gargling with water after using the product. Symptomatic candidiasis can be treated with topical anti-fungal therapy whilst still continuing with the Aroflo HFA inhaler. Possible systemic effects in children include adrenal suppression, growth retardation, decrease in bone mineral density.

Use in special groups:

Use in pregnancy: There are insufficient data on the use of Salmeterol & Fluticasone Propionate during pregnancy. Administration of drugs to pregnant women should only be considered if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus.

Use in lactation: There are no data available for human breast milk. Administration of Salmeterol & Fluticasone Propionate to women who are breast-feeding should only be considered if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the child.

Packing:

Aroflo-125 HFA inhaler: Each canister contains 120 puffs
Aroflo-250 HFA inhaler: Each canister contains 60 puffs