Aroflo 50mcg+500mcg Arocap 1 Strip

Aroflo 500 is a combination inhaler containing salmeterol and fluticasone propionate. It is used for the regular treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The medicine helps relax the airway muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve airflow, making breathing easier.

Aroflo 500 is a maintenance treatment and must be used regularly as prescribed, even when you do not have symptoms. It does not provide immediate relief during a sudden asthma attack. Keep your prescribed quick-relief/rescue inhaler available for sudden breathing difficulties.

The medicine may begin to improve symptoms within a few days, while its full benefit may take several weeks. Correct inhaler technique is important because improper use can reduce the amount of medicine reaching the lungs.

Common side effects may include:

• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Oral fungal infection (thrush)
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Cough
• Throat irritation
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Increased heart rate
• Bronchitis
• Sinusitis

Rinsing your mouth and gargling with water after each inhalation can help reduce the risk of oral fungal infections and throat irritation.

Rarely, Aroflo 500 may cause paradoxical bronchospasm, in which breathing or wheezing suddenly becomes worse immediately after inhalation. Seek medical attention if this occurs.

How to Use Aroflo 500

Use Aroflo 500 exactly as instructed by your doctor and follow the directions provided with your inhaler device.

For a pressurized inhaler, shake the inhaler as directed. Breathe out fully, place the mouthpiece in your mouth, and inhale slowly while pressing the canister to release the prescribed puff. Hold your breath for approximately 10 seconds or for as long as comfortable, then breathe out slowly. Repeat according to your prescribed dose.

After using the inhaler, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and spit it out. Do not swallow the rinse water.

Your healthcare professional should demonstrate the correct inhaler technique and check it periodically.

How Aroflo 500 Works

Aroflo 500 combines two medicines with different actions:

Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) that relaxes the muscles surrounding the airways, helping to keep them open for easier breathing.

Fluticasone propionate is an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and swelling in the airways by suppressing the release of inflammatory substances.

Together, these medicines help control breathing symptoms and reduce asthma or COPD exacerbations.

Quick Tips

• Aroflo 500 is for inhalation only and should not be swallowed.
• Use it regularly at the same time each day for the best control of symptoms.
• It is not a rescue medicine and should not be used for sudden breathing problems. Use your prescribed quick-relief inhaler for acute symptoms.
• Rinse your mouth or gargle with water after every dose to reduce the risk of oral thrush and throat irritation.
• Maintain good oral hygiene during treatment.
• Do not stop Aroflo 500 suddenly unless your doctor advises you to do so. If treatment needs to be discontinued, your doctor may gradually reduce the dose.
• Avoid smoking and try to identify and avoid triggers that worsen your asthma or breathing symptoms.
• Your doctor may monitor potassium levels, particularly if you have low oxygen levels or are taking other medicines that can reduce potassium.
• Tell your doctor if you have tuberculosis, heart disease, abnormal heart rhythm, diabetes, thyroid problems, low potassium, or osteoporosis risk.
• Children receiving prolonged corticosteroid treatment may require regular monitoring of growth.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Dosage and Administration

The appropriate dose depends on the severity of asthma or COPD, the inhaler formulation, age, and individual response.

For the salmeterol 50 mcg/fluticasone propionate 500 mcg inhalation powder formulation, a commonly recommended adult dose for asthma or COPD is one inhalation twice daily, when prescribed by a doctor.

Other Aroflo formulations may contain different strengths and require different numbers of inhalations. Always follow the specific strength and dosage prescribed for your inhaler.

Children

The appropriate strength and dose for children depend on age and the inhaler formulation. Children should use Aroflo 500 only under medical supervision, and prolonged corticosteroid treatment may require monitoring of growth.

Contraindications

Aroflo 500 should not be used as the primary treatment for status asthmaticus or an acute asthma attack.

It should also be avoided in patients with a severe hypersensitivity to fluticasone, salmeterol, or any component of the formulation. Certain dry-powder formulations may contain milk proteins and should not be used by patients with severe milk-protein allergy.

Precautions

Use Aroflo 500 cautiously in patients with:

• Pulmonary tuberculosis or other respiratory infections
• Cardiovascular disease
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Diabetes
• Thyrotoxicosis
• Low blood potassium
• Osteoporosis or risk factors for reduced bone density

Patients who smoke, are elderly, have poor nutrition, have a family history of osteoporosis, or use medicines that reduce bone density may require additional monitoring.

Because fluticasone is a corticosteroid, prolonged treatment may have systemic effects. Your doctor may monitor you regularly depending on your dose and duration of treatment.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Aroflo 500. The medicine should be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only when the expected benefits outweigh potential risks and under appropriate medical supervision.

Drug Interactions

Medicines that strongly inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, such as ritonavir, ketoconazole, and itraconazole, may increase exposure to fluticasone and potentially increase corticosteroid-related adverse effects.

Store below 30°C. Keep away from eyes. Keep away from children.