Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The
full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine,
speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
1. Why am I using EVOCAIR?
EVOCAIR contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate.
EVOCAIR is used to help with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
in people who need regular treatment.
2. What should I know before I use EVOCAIR?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to EVOCAIR or any of the ingredients
listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines,
or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with EVOCAIR and affect how it works.
4. How do I use EVOCAIR?
Follow dosage directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist and continue taking
it for as long as your doctor tells you
EVOCAIR should be inhaled into your lungs through the mouth
5. What should I know while using EVOCAIR?
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Things you should do
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Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using EVOCAIR.
If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are taking
this medicine
Tell your doctor if you become, or are trying to become, pregnant
Tell your doctor if you are using EVOCAIR if you have any blood tests
Contact your doctor if you experience a change in vision
Keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked
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Things you should not do
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Do not stop using this medicine suddenly or change the dosage without checking with
your doctor
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Driving or using machines
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This medicine is not expected to affect your ability to drive a car or operate machinery.
It is prudent to be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how EVOCAIR
affects you.
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Looking after your medicine
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Keep EVOCAIR in a dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C away from direct
heat or sunlight
The EVOCAIR MDI metal canister is pressurised. Do not burn it or puncture it, even
when empty. Keep it where children cannot reach it.
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6. Are there any side effects?
The following common side effects may occur when taking EVOCAIR; soreness in the mouth,
throat or tongue, hoarseness, headache, muscle cramps, pain in joints, increase in
heart rate, pneumonia. If your breathing or wheezing gets worse straight after using
EVOCAIR, stop using it immediately and tell your doctor as soon as possible.
Active ingredients:
Fluticasone propionate/Salmeterol xinafoate
Full Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using EVOCAIR. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information
or if you have any concerns or questions about using EVOCAIR.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using EVOCAIR?
EVOCAIR contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate.
Fluticasone propionate belongs to a group of medicines known as corticosteroids, frequently
called 'steroids'. They are not 'anabolic steroids' which are the steroids sometimes
misused by athletes.
Corticosteroids have an anti-inflammatory action. They reduce the swelling and irritation
in the walls of the small air passages in the lungs and so help you to breathe more
easily. Corticosteroids are used to treat asthma and COPD.
Salmeterol xinafoate is a bronchodilator. A bronchodilator keeps the breathing tubes
in your lungs open and relieves the symptoms of asthma and other chest conditions.
The effects of salmeterol xinafoate last for up to twelve hours.
When taken together regularly fluticasone propionate and salmeterol help to control
your breathing difficulties.
EVOCAIR is used to help with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
in people who need regular treatment.
Asthma is a condition affecting the lungs. Symptoms of asthma include shortness of
breath, wheezing, chest tightness and cough. Two main causes of asthma symptoms are
bronchoconstriction (tightening of the muscle surrounding the airways) and inflammation
(swelling and irritation of the airways).
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term condition affecting the
lungs, resulting from chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Symptoms of COPD include shortness
of breath, cough, chest discomfort and coughing up phlegm. The COPD symptoms are mainly
due to bronchoconstriction (tightening of the muscle surrounding the airways) and
inflammation (swelling and irritation of the airways).
DO NOT use this medicine to treat a sudden attack of breathlessness as it will not
help you. You will need a different type of medicine, e.g. salbutamol, which you must
not confuse with EVOCAIR.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed
for you.
Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.
This medicine is not addictive.
This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.
EVOCAIR MDI is available as a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) also known as an "inhaler".
EVOCAIR MDI: 125/25, 250/25
2. What should I know before I use EVOCAIR?
Warnings
Do not use EVOCAIR if:
you are allergic to fluticasone propionate or salmeterol xinafoate, or any of the
ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may
include wheezing or difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, eyelids, lips/mouth,
tongue or throat, chest pain or tightness, hay fever or lumpy rash or fainting.
always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack has passed or if the packaging is torn and
shows signs of tampering. If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist
for disposal.
Check with your doctor if you:
have any allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes
have any other medical conditions, including thrush in your mouth, tuberculosis, diabetes,
a thyroid condition, high blood pressure or a heart problem, low blood potassium levels
are taking other steroid medicines by mouth or inhalation
take any medicines for any other condition
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important
you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information
under Section
6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy,
supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may interfere with EVOCAIR and affect how it works.
These include:
Beta-blockers used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension)
Ketoconazole used to treat fungal infection
Ritonavir used to treat HIV infection
These medicines may be affected by EVOCAIR or may affect how well it works. You may
need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different medicines.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect
EVOCAIR.
4. How do I use EVOCAIR?
How much to take
It is very important that you use the medicine regularly every day. Do not stop treatment
if you feel better unless told to do so by your doctor.
Do not change your dose unless told to by your doctor.
If you are breathless or wheezing more often than normal, tell your doctor.
ASTHMA
Adults and adolescents 12 years and older:
Your doctor will prescribe 1 of 3 different strengths of EVOCAIR MDI for you, depending
on the severity of your condition:
EVOCAIR MDI 50/25 (50 micrograms of fluticasone propionate and 25 micrograms of salmeterol),
or
EVOCAIR MDI 12/25 (125 micrograms of fluticasone propionate and 25 micrograms of salmeterol),
or
EVOCAIR MDI 250/25 (250 micrograms of fluticasone propionate and 25 micrograms of
salmeterol).
The usual dose is two puffs from your inhaler twice a day.
Children 4 years and older:
The usual dose is two puffs from EVOCAIR MDI 50/25 (50 micrograms of fluticasone and
25 micrograms of salmeterol) twice a day.
Not information is available on use of EVOCAIR MDI in children under 4 years old.
COPD
Adults:
Your doctor will prescribe 1 of 2 different strengths of EVOCAIR MDI for you:
EVOCAIR MDI 125/25 (125 micrograms of fluticasone propionate and 25 micrograms of
salmeterol), or
EVOCAIR MDI 250/25 (250 micrograms of fluticasone propionate and 25 micrograms of
salmeterol).
The usual dose is two puffs from your inhaler twice a day.
Follow the instructions provided and use EVOCAIR until your doctor tells you to stop.
When to take EVOCAIR
Your doctor has chosen this medicine to suit you and your condition. EVOCAIR is used
to help with asthma and COPD in people who need regular treatment.
It is very important that you use your EVOCAIR every day, twice a day. This will help
you keep free of symptoms throughout the day and night.
Take your medicine at about the same time each day.
Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you
remember when to take it.
It does not matter if you take this medicine before or after food.
Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.
This medicine helps to control your condition, but does not cure it. It is important
to keep taking your medicine even if you feel well.
How to take EVOCAIR
The medicine in EVOCAIR should be inhaled into your lungs.
EVOCAIR must only be breathed in through the mouth.
The full instructions for using EVOCAIR are given on a leaflet inside the pack.
If you have any difficulties or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor
or pharmacist.
If you find it difficult to use your EVOCAIR MDI, talk to your doctor of pharmacist.
It may be better for you to use something called a spacer device. Your doctor or pharmacist
will explain what this is and how to use it.
If you change the make of spacer you use this may alter the amount of drug delivered
to the lungs. You should let your doctor know if your symptoms worsen.
MDI
If your EVOCAIR MDI is new and you have not used it before, you should release puffs
into the air until the counter reads 120 to make sure that it works.
If your EVOCAIR MDI has not been used for one week or more, you should release two
puffs into the air before use.
Each time a puff is released the number on the counter will count down by one.
In some cases dropping the inhaler may cause the counter to count down.
Cleaning: Your inhaler should be cleaned at least once a week as follows:
1. Remove the mouthpiece cover.
2. Do not remove the canister from the plastic casing.
3. Wipe the inside and outside of the mouthpiece and the plastic casing with a dry
cloth or tissue.
4. Replace the mouthpiece cover.
DO NOT PUT THE METAL CANISTER INTO WATER.
Use your medicine as your doctor has told you. If you are not sure ask your doctor
or pharmacist.
After using EVOCAIR
Some people find that their mouth, throat or tongue becomes sore or that their voice
becomes hoarse after inhaling this medicine. It may be helpful to rinse your mouth
with water and spit it out after using your EVOCAIR. Tell your doctor but do not stop
treatment unless told to do so.
If you forget to use EVOCAIR
EVOCAIR should be used regularly at the same time each day. 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 is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next
dose when you are meant to.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
If you become wheezy or feel tight in the chest before the next dose is due, use a
'reliever puffer' in the usual way. You should get relief from your 'reliever puffer'
within a few minutes.
If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some
hints.
If you use too much EVOCAIR
If you think that you have used too much EVOCAIR, you may need urgent medical attention.
You should immediately:
phone the Poisons Information Centre
(Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, or
contact your doctor, or
go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Symptoms of an overdose may include:
rapid heart beat
increased rate of breathing
significant muscle tremor
headache
increased blood pressure
increased blood sugar (glucose) levels
If you are not sure what to do, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
5. What should I know while using EVOCAIR?
Things you should do
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist
that you are taking EVOCAIR
Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who treat you that you are taking
this medicine
If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are taking
this medicine
It may affect other medicines used during surgery.
It is important that all doctors treating you are aware that you are on inhaled steroids.
If your body is stressed by, for example, severe infection, surgical operation, an
accident etc., you may need steroid tablets or injections for a time.
If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, or are trying to become pregnant,
tell your doctor immediately. If you are about to have any blood tests, tell your
doctor that you are taking this medicine.
It may interfere with the results of some tests.
Keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked. Tell
your doctor if, for any reason, you have not used your medicine exactly as prescribed.
Otherwise, your doctor may think that it was not effective and change your treatment
unnecessarily.
Call your doctor straight away if you:
Think you may be having an allergic reaction
Experience a change in your vision
Notice any symptoms listed below
Things you should not do
Do not take EVOCAIR to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as
you, or their symptoms seem similar to yours. Do not stop taking your medicine or
change the dosage without checking with your doctor.
If you stop taking it 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 the medicine completely.
Driving or using machines
This medicine is not expected to affect your ability to drive a car or operate machinery.
It is prudent to be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how EVOCAIR
affects you.
Looking after your medicine
Keep your EVOCAIR in a dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C, away from
direct heat or sunlight
If your EVOCAIR MDI becomes very cold, it may not work properly. Keep your inhaler
away from frost.
WARNING: The EVOCAIR MDI metal cannister is pressurised. Do not burn it or puncture
it, even when it is empty.
Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.
Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do
not store it:
in the bathroom or near a sink, or
in the car or on window sills.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy
for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of
them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any further questions about side effects.
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.
Less serious side effects
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Less serious side effects
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What to do
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Mouth/throat:
hoarseness
soreness of mouth, throat or tongue
soreness in the oesophagus
Cardiovascular:
increased blood pressure
increase in heart rate
Pain:
headache
muscle cramps
pain in joints
Skin:
skin rash
bruises
Anxiety and behavioural changes:
sweating, trembling, feeling nervous or anxious
sleep disturbances
unusual activity and irritability (mainly in children)
Other:
slowing of growth in children and adolescents
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Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry
you.
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Serious side effects
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Serious side effects
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What to do
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Allergic Reaction:
wheezing or difficulty breathing
swelling of the face, eyelids, lips/mouth, tongue or throat
chest pain or tightness
hay fever or lumpy rash ("hives")
fainting
Respiratory:
pneumonia (lung infection)
shortness of breath
Cardiovascular:
irregular heartbeat
Ocular:
eye problems (e.g. cataract, glaucoma)
Other:
rounded face
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Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your
nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.
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Some side effects, for example changes in blood sugar (glucose) level, blood pressure
or loss of bone density can only be found when your doctor does tests from time to
time to check your progress.
Taking high doses of steroids for a long time could affect the adrenal glands, which
make the body's own steroid. Your doctor may do tests to check how the adrenal glands
are working.
Your doctor will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you
feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can
report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at
www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems . By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of
this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop
taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What EVOCAIR contains
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Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
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Fluticasone propionate
Salmeterol xinafoate
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Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
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HFA-134a, a CFC-Free propellant
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Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What EVOCAIR looks like
EVOCAIR MDI consists of a plastic casing which contains a small metal canister. The
casing has a mouthpiece which is covered by a cap.
Each canister consists of 120 doses of the medicine.
Each dose contains 125 or 250 micrograms of the active ingredient fluticasone propionate.
Each dose contains 25 micrograms of active ingredient salmeterol. The amount depends
on which strength of EVOCAIR MDI you have been given.
The canister has a counter attached to show how many puffs of medicine you have left.
The number of puffs left will show through a window in the back of the plastic casing.
Each time the canister is pressed a dose of the medicine is released and the counter
will count down by one.
You should consider getting a replacement when the counter shows the number 020.
Do not use your EVOCAIR MDI if the counter shows 000. When the counter shows 000 you
must dispose of your EVOCAIR MDI.
Never try to alter the numbers on the counter or detach the counter from the metal
canister. The counter cannot be reset and is permanently attached to the canister.
Who distributes EVOCAIR
Alphapharm Pty Ltd trading as Viatris
Level 1, 30 The Bond
30-34 Hickson Road
Millers Point NSW 2000
Phone: 1800 274 276
This leaflet was prepared in July 2023.
Australian Registration Numbers:
EVOCAIR MDI 125/25 - AUST R 208667
EVOCAIR MDI 250/25 - AUST R 208668
Trade marks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies
© 2023 GSK group of companies or its licensor
EVOCAIR_cmi\Jul23/00