Asaris is a frequently used inhalation preparation. The main indications for taking Asaris are asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The producer of Asaris is the Polish pharmaceutical company Polfarmex SA located in Kutno.
Composition and action of Asaris
The composition of Asaris includes two active substances – fluticasone propionate and salmeterol. Fluticasone propionate is an organic chemical compound that is used primarily in the treatment of bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic lung disease. Fluticasone propionate has anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and antipruritic effects. As a result of its intake, the vessels contract, and the eosinophils and basophils present in the nasal mucosa decrease. Due to its low bioavailability, fluticasone propionate has little effect on the secretion of ACTH from the pituitary gland.
Salmeterol is an organic chemical compound used as a drug in the treatment of bronchial asthma, including prophylactic against asthma attacks. It is also used in the treatment of other medical conditions manifested by bronchospasm. Salmeterol is a selective, long-term β2 agonist. As a result of its admission, bronchodilation occurs, the process of degranulation of mast cells and basophils is inhibited. In addition, salmeterol prevents the action of substances present in their granules – such as histamine, prostaglanid D2 and leukotrienes.
Asaris packages are available containing respectively:
- 100 mcg fluticasone propionate and 50 mcg salmeterol (micronized xinafoate salmeterol),
- 250 μg of fluticasone propionate and 50 μg of salmeterol,
- 500 μg fluticasone propionate and 50 μg salmeterol.
The excipients present in the preparation include lactose monohydrate, in which milk proteins are present.
Asaris – the way of receiving
In order to obtain the maximum effectiveness of the preparation, it should be taken every day, regardless of the disease symptoms.
The duration of the treatment and the dose to be taken is determined by the doctor. It is recommended that the minimum dose of this medicine be selected to sufficiently reduce asthma symptoms. Treatment with Asaris is usually long-term, although in some cases it can be used as a form of initial maintenance treatment. This situation occurs in patients with chronic or moderate asthma. When their symptoms are suppressed, the doctor decides to change Asaris to another drug containing a corticosteroid. Asaris is not used in the initial treatment of mild asthma.
To apply Asaris, open the inhaler, set the desired dose, put the mouthpiece in your mouth, close your mouth, and then breathe in intensively. After that, you can close the camera. One Asaris inhaler contains 60 doses of the preparation. The price of the preparation after reimbursement is (depending on the amount of fluticasone propionate) from 3,64 to 8,87 PLN.
Precautions when using Asaris
As with most medications, Asaris is not intended for all patients. First of all, it should not be used by people suffering from asthma with very severe symptoms. Particular care should be taken when treating patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, patients suffering from severe cardiovascular or heart rhythm disorders, patients with diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, untreated hypokalemia and patients with a clear tendency to low serum potassium levels.
In exceptional circumstances, Asaris may be used in pregnant women and young mothers who are breastfeeding. According to the research, taking Asaris does not significantly affect the development and health of the fetus. Typically in these situations a reduced dose is given.
Moreover, taking Asaris may be associated with side effects. The most common ones include:
- infections and infestations (oral and throat candidiasis, pneumonia and bronchitis),
- disorders of the immune system (skin hypersensitivity, angioedema, dyspnoea, bronchospasm, anaphylactic shock and other anaphylactic reactions),
- endocrine disorders (Cushing’s syndrome, suppression of the adrenal cortex, inhibition of growth in children and adolescents, lower mineral density of the skeleton),
- disorders of metabolism and digestive system (hypokalemia, hyperglycemia),
- mental disorders (anxiety, sleep problems, psychomotor hyperactivity, irritability, depression, aggression),
- nervous system disorders (headaches, convulsions),
- heart problems (palpitations, tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, extrasystoles),
- respiratory system disorders (nasopharyngitis, hoarseness, throat tissue irritation, silence, sinusitis, bronchospasm),
- others (cataracts, glaucoma, bruising, muscle spasms, joint and muscle pain).