How to use a Turbuhaler®*

There are two types of Turbuhaler®:

Medication that is inhaled through the mouth into the lungs (e.g., Bricanyl®, Oxeze®, Pulmicort®).
Medication is inhaled into the nose using a nasal adapter (e.g., Rhinocort®).
A. General instructions for a Turbuhaler® where medication is inhaled through the mouth into the lungs.

Unscrew the cover and lift it off.
Load a dose by holding the inhaler upright. Turn the grip dial (coloured base portion) as far as it will go in one direction, then turn it back to the original position. The “click” you hear means that the inhaler is ready to use. Keep the inhaler upright until you are ready to inhale the dose. If you drop the inhaler or if it falls over before you inhale it, you must repeat step 2.
Breathe out normally. Note: Never breathe out through the mouthpiece.
Put the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips around the mouthpiece. Do not chew or bite down hard on the mouthpiece. Inhale forcefully and deeply through your mouth. You may not feel or taste any medication when you are inhaling – this is common. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to tell whether your medication is working.
Remove the inhaler. If your doctor has prescribed more than one dose, repeat steps 2 to 4.
Replace the cover.
Rinse your mouth with water (applies to a Turbuhaler® containing a steroid medication; check with your pharmacist if you aren’t sure whether your Turbuhaler® contains a steroid medication).
B. General instructions for a Turbuhaler® where medication is inhaled into the nose using a nasal adapter.

Unscrew the cover and lift it off.
Load a dose by holding the inhaler upright. Turn the grip (coloured base portion) as far as it will go in one direction then turn it back to the original position. When you hear a “click,” the inhaler is ready to use. Keep the inhaler upright until you are ready to inhale the dose. If you drop the inhaler or if it falls over before you inhale the dose, you must repeat step 2.
Breathe out normally. Note: Never breathe out through the nasal adapter.
Place the nasal adapter in the nostril so that it fits tightly. Close the other nostril with a finger. Sniff quickly and forcefully.
Remove the inhaler before breathing out. If you are using a dose in each nostril, repeat steps 2 to 4 for the other nostril.
If your doctor has prescribed more than one dose, repeat steps 2 to 5.
Replace the cover.
Rinse your mouth with water.
How do I take proper care of the Turbuhaler®?

Clean the outside of the mouthpiece or nasal adapter once a week with a dry tissue. Never use water or any other fluid. If fluid enters the inhaler, it may not work properly.

What do I do if I drop the Turbuhaler®?

If you accidentally drop, shake, or breathe out into the Turbuhaler® after it has been loaded, you will lose your dose. If this happens, you should load a new dose and inhale it.

How will I know when the Turbuhaler® is empty?

There are 2 types of indictors to show when the Turbuhaler® is running out of doses:

• Type 1: The Turbuhaler® has a dose indicator that moves slowly each time you use a dose. A number indicates every 20th dose and a dash indicates every 10th dose. When a “0” appears in the middle of the window, the Turbuhaler® is empty and you should start a new inhaler. You should obtain your next inhaler before the dose indicator reaches “0” to ensure you don’t miss any doses of your medication. The empty Turbuhaler® should be discarded because it cannot be refilled.
• Type 2: These types of Turbuhaler® have a dose indicator. When a red mark first appears in the window underneath the mouthpiece, there are about 20 doses left. Now is the time to get your next inhaler so you will be ready when the doses run out. When the red line reaches the bottom, the Turbuhaler® is empty. It should be discarded because it cannot be refilled.

*Different medications come in Turbuhaler® form. This information is intended to provide general instructions for the use of a Turbuhaler®. Instructions may vary for different products. If these instructions are different from those given by your doctor or pharmacist, check with your doctor or pharmacist to confirm how you should be using the product. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific information about your particular medication.