Hello my name is Liz and I am going to show you how to use your inhaler.
The information I am going to give you is a quick guide. You should keep and read the
instruction leaflet that comes with your inhaler. First I’m going to show you a few important
points about your inhaler, then I will talk you through how to use it and then I will
show you how to use it. At the end we will talk about how you clean
and store your inhaler. How you know when it is empty and when to reorder another.
What to do if you take too much or miss a dose
and what to do if going to the hospital or clinic.
It is important to take your inhalers regularly. Some inhalers are given to prevent
flare ups and can take days or more to work.
When your inhaler is new it will have an expiry date marked on it, like so.
Check this date and if expired, return to the pharmacist.
Your inhaler has a dust cap, yours might be green. When you open it up,
it reveals the dose release button.
At the side we have a dose counter.
At the bottom you have arrows which indicate which way you should turn the device.
And at the side we have a button that helps to release the base.
To load the device, press the button at the side to release the cover. Take the cover off.
Put the canister, put it in rubber end first.
Push all the way in. Then press on a table or a hard surface to put it in as much as possible.
Then replace the cover.
You now need to prime your inhaler. To do this turn the inhaler half way
in the direction, that's indicated by the arrows. Open the dust cover and press
the dose release button making sure you don’t release it into your face.
You have to do this 3 times.
Open, release, close.
Turn, open, release.
That is your inhaler primed for use.
You should use your inhaler at the same time every day.
You can use it with or without food.
It is best to stand or sit upright and keep your head in a neutral position.
To use the inhaler. Turn the inhaler half way, in the direction that's indicated by the arrows.
Open the dust cap. Breathe out, but not into the inhaler. Like so.
Then you will put the mouthpiece between your lips and make a seal.
And start to breathe in. As you start to breathe, press the dose release button.
And continue to breathe all the way in and then hold your breath for a count of 5 to 10.
Like so.
When you have finished, close the cap.
Wait 30 seconds and then repeat. So again...
Press the button at the side. Turn the inhaler.
And close.
After you've used your inhaler, brush your teeth and rinse out your mouth to prevent voice hoarseness.
To clean your inhaler. After you've used it, wipe the cap with a clean dry tissue.
Like so.
You should store your inhaler away from direct sunlight, frost or moisture.
You should keep it somewhere that you will remember to take it.
If you forget to take your inhaler. Then take it if you remember within an hour or 2.
If it's more than this, miss the dose and get on track with the next dose.
If you take too much of your inhaler then
contact a health professional for advice.
You will know when you need a new inhaler.
The dose counter goes from 120 to 0.
When the red arrow matches with the red zone, you need to put in a repeat prescription.
If you are going to the hospital or clinic
take your inhalers with you, along with a repeat prescription.