Evocair MDI (Fluticasone Propionate And Salmeterol Xinafoate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Evocair MDI Used For?
Evocair MDI is a combination inhaler that helps manage breathing problems in people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who need regular treatment.
Primary Uses
Evocair MDI is prescribed for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in people who need regular treatment. Asthma symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and cough. COPD symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, chest discomfort and coughing up phlegm.
How It Works
Evocair contains two active ingredients that work together. Fluticasone propionate is a corticosteroid that reduces swelling and irritation in the airways, helping you breathe more easily. Salmeterol xinafoate is a bronchodilator that keeps the breathing tubes in your lungs open and provides relief for up to twelve hours. Together, they help control your breathing difficulties when taken regularly.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive and should not be confused with anabolic steroids sometimes misused by athletes.
Not for sudden attacks: Do not use Evocair to treat a sudden attack of breathlessness as it will not help you. You will need a different type of medicine like salbutamol for sudden attacks.
How to Take Evocair MDI
Evocair must be inhaled into your lungs through your mouth using the metered dose inhaler (MDI). It’s very important to use this medicine regularly every day, twice a day, even when you feel well.
Dosage Instructions
For Asthma – Adults and adolescents 12 years and older: The usual dose is two puffs twice a day from one of three strengths (50/25, 125/25, or 250/25 micrograms). Children 4 years and older: Two puffs from the 50/25 strength twice a day. For COPD – Adults: Two puffs twice a day from either the 125/25 or 250/25 strength. Take at the same time each day for best results. It doesn’t matter if you take it before or after food.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, use it as soon as you remember, then go back to using it as you would normally. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re meant to. If you become wheezy or feel tight in the chest before the next dose is due, use your reliever puffer as usual.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not stop treatment or change your dose without checking with your doctor first.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Soreness in the mouth, throat or tongue
- Hoarseness
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Pain in joints
- Increase in heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Skin rash
- Bruises
- Sweating, trembling, feeling nervous or anxious
- Sleep disturbances
- Unusual activity and irritability (mainly in children)
- Slowing of growth in children and adolescents
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Pneumonia (lung infection)
- Shortness of breath
- Allergic reactions (wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, chest pain, hay fever, lumpy rash, fainting)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma)
- Rounded face
Important Warnings
Before using Evocair MDI, make sure your doctor knows about all your medical conditions and other medicines you’re taking.
Who Should Not Take Evocair MDI
Do not use Evocair if you are allergic to fluticasone propionate, salmeterol xinafoate, or any other ingredients. Signs of allergic reaction include wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, chest pain, hay fever, lumpy rash, or fainting. Do not use if the expiry date has passed or packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies, thrush in your mouth, tuberculosis, diabetes, thyroid condition, high blood pressure, heart problems, low blood potassium levels, or if you’re taking other steroid medicines by mouth or inhalation.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or intend to breastfeed. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits with you. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
Surgery Warning: If you’re having surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you’re taking this medicine as it may affect other medicines used during surgery.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Evocair and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you’re taking.
Important: You may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different medicines. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure about interactions.
- Beta-blockers used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Ketoconazole used to treat fungal infections
- Ritonavir used to treat HIV infection
Alcohol & Driving
Evocair MDI is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, but it’s wise to be careful until you know how it affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings are mentioned in the prescribing information.
Driving and Operating Machinery
This medicine is not expected to affect your ability to drive a car or operate machinery. However, it’s prudent to be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Evocair affects you.
Storage
Keep Evocair in a dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C, away from direct heat or sunlight. If your inhaler becomes very cold, it may not work properly, so keep it away from frost. The metal canister is pressurized – do not burn it or puncture it, even when empty. Keep it where children cannot reach it. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Evocair, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort. Overdose symptoms may include rapid heart beat, increased rate of breathing, significant muscle tremor, headache, increased blood pressure, and increased blood sugar levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Evocair contains salmeterol which provides effects lasting up to twelve hours. However, this is a maintenance medication that needs to be taken regularly twice daily to control your condition – it’s not for immediate relief of sudden breathing problems.
Yes, it doesn’t matter if you take this medicine before or after food. The important thing is to take it at the same time each day for the best effect.
No, this medicine is not addictive. It contains corticosteroids which are not the same as anabolic steroids sometimes misused by athletes.
Do not stop taking your medicine suddenly or change the dosage without checking with your doctor. If you stop suddenly, your condition may worsen or you may have unwanted side effects. If possible, your doctor will gradually reduce the amount you take each day before stopping completely.
If your breathing or wheezing gets worse straight after using your Evocair MDI, stop using it immediately and tell your doctor as soon as possible.
Clean your inhaler at least once a week by removing the mouthpiece cover, wiping the inside and outside of the mouthpiece and plastic casing with a dry cloth or tissue, then replacing the cover. Do not put the metal canister into water.
Some people find their mouth, throat or tongue becomes sore or their voice becomes hoarse after inhaling. It may be helpful to rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after using your Evocair. Tell your doctor but don’t stop treatment unless told to do so.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.