Inhaler Technique – Breezhaler

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Breezhaler

1. Pull off the mouthpiece cover. Hold the base firmly and tilt the mouthpiece backwards to open the capsule chamber.
2. Remove one capsule from the blister by peeling the backing away. The capsule contains medication in a dry powder. Do not swallow the capsule. Place the capsule in the capsule chamber. Close the mouthpiece until you hear a click.
3. Hold the inhaler upright with the mouthpiece pointing up. Press both side buttons to pierce the capsule; you should hear a click Release the side buttons.
4. Breathe out as far as possible and away from the Breezhaler.
5. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and seal your lips firmly around the mouthpiece.
6. Breathe in as quickly and deeply as you can. You will hear a whirring noise as you breathe in. Take the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for up to 10 seconds.
7. Then breathe out slowly If your inhaler contains a steroid ingredient, you should rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after using it; this is to prevent infections such oral thrush.
8. Open the inhaler and see if there is any powder left in the capsule. If there is, close the inhaler and repeat steps 4 to 7.
9. Remove the empty capsule and place in your household waste. Close the inhaler and replace the mouthpiece cover.

Looking after your Breezhaler

• Keep your inhaler dry and never wash it with water.
• Wipe the mouthpiece inside and outside with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth to remove any powder residue.
• Store the capsules in the original blister packaging. This will protect them from light and moisture.
• Remove the capsule immediately before use.

What if my inhaler did not make a noise when I inhaled?

The capsule may be stuck in the capsule chamber. If this happens, loosen the capsule by tapping the base of the inhaler. Inhale the medicine from Step 5.

What if there is powder left inside the capsule?

You have not received enough of your medicine. Inhale the medicine from Step 5.

References

• 7 Steps to Success, Inhaler Technique (2014) (adapted)
• Asthma UK, ‘How to use your inhaler’ videos
• Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, “My Lungs My Life” videos
• ‘Getting the basics right, Inhaler Technique’. Primary Care Respiratory Society (2016)

For further support and information, please contact:

You can also contact your community pharmacist or practice nurse for advice.