If you’re on an orange preventer inhaler, but still find yourself wheezing, coughing or reaching for your blue inhaler in the night, chances are your asthma is not as good as it could be.

MOST PEOPLE OVERESTIMATE THEIR ASTHMA CONTROL
In a major New Zealand asthma study, 81% of people thought their asthma was well controlled, yet three-quarters were using their reliever at least once daily and the remainder were taking at least 3-4 puffs a day. So if there’s one thing the study showed, it’s that most people overestimate their level of asthma control.¹ 
If this sounds like you, a move to Seretide^®, the purple inhaler, could be the answer.

HOW SERETIDE CAN HELP
Seretide is a two-in-one inhaler that combines the active ingredient in the orange preventer inhaler with the active ingredient in the green symptom controller. This combined approach helps control asthma long-term, which means you don’t have to live with the wheezing, coughing and sleepless nights in the first place.^2,3

IS SERETIDE RIGHT FOR YOU?
Your doctor is the best person to talk to about your asthma control. The most important thing is to let them know what symptoms you’re experiencing and how often you’re having them. 

You may not realise you can have symptom-free days for most days of the year with Seretide, the purple inhaler.⁴

If you’re an asthma sufferer don’t assume that exercise or running around with the kids goes hand-in-hand with laboured breathing, turning ‘enjoyable’ activities into strenuous chores. Asthma treatment has come a long way, and there’s every chance you can put all these symptoms behind you.

IS YOUR ASTHMA UNDER CONTROL?
The first step to freeing yourself of symptoms is understanding how well controlled your asthma is right now. Control means…

• No coughing or wheezing
• No night-time interruptions
• No emergency visits to your doctor or hospital
• Participating in activities you enjoy and not having to avoid them
• Using a reliever less than two times a week and living life more.⁵

There is a simple test to help you find out if your asthma really is under control – visit www.asthmacontrol.co.nz and answer the online questionnaire.

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References: 1. Holt S. NZ INSPIRE – Study Overview. Research Review. 2008:1-13. 2. Bateman ED et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2004;170:836-844. 3. Bateman ED et al. Allergy. 2008;63:932-938 4. Woodcock A et al. Prim Care Resp J. 2007;16(3):155- 161 5. Global Initiative for Asthma. Global Strategy for Asthma Manangement and Prevention. Updated 2009. Available at http://www.ginasthma. org/Guidelineitem.asp??|1=2&12=1&intid=1561. Accessed 19 November 2010. Seretide^® (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol xinafoate; available as a 50/25 or 125/25 micrograms per actuation inhaler, or as a 100/50 or 250/50 micrograms per actuation Accuhaler^®) is a Prescription Medicine for the treatment of reversible obstructive airway disease (ROAD) including asthma, and for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  Seretide^® is a fully funded medicine; Special Authority criteria apply. Seretide^® 250/25 microgram inhaler is a private purchase medicine that you will need to pay for. Use strictly as directed. Seretide^® is not for relief of acute symptoms. Always carry your reliever inhaler. Do not discontinue Seretide^® abruptly. Tell your doctor if: you are taking any other medicines or herbal remedies; you have pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), a thyroid problem or a heart problem; or you are having treatment for high blood pressure; Side Effects may include: ‘shaky’ feeling; headache; fast heart rate; irritation in the nose and throat. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or health professional. For more information, see Seretide^® Consumer Medicine Information at www.medsafe.govt.nz. Normal doctor’s office visit fees apply. Ask your doctor if Seretide^® is right for you. Seretide^® is a trade mark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies. Marketed by GlaxoSmithKline NZ Limited, Auckland. TAPS NA5041-11JU


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