How to Use a Turbuhaler

Proper usage and maintenance of your Turbuhaler are essential for effective medication delivery. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for priming your Turbuhaler, administering doses, and understanding the dose indicator. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure you receive the correct dosage and maximise the efficiency of your Turbuhaler.

Who is the Turbuhaler Suitable for?

The Turbuhaler is an asthma inhaler suitable for individuals of all age groups, including children and adults, who need inhaled medication for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is especially beneficial for those who can generate sufficient inspiratory flow to use the device effectively.

Structure of Turbuhaler

How to Prime the Turbuhaler for First-time Use

1. Unscrew the cover and lift it off. You may hear a rattling sound.
2. Hold your Turbuhaler upright with the grip at the bottom.
3. Turn the grip as far as it goes in one direction. Then, turn it as far as it goes in the other direction (it does not matter which direction you turn it in first). You should hear a “click” sound.
4. Repeat step 3, turning the grip in both directions.
5. Your Turbuhaler is now ready for use. You do not need to repeat the steps above. Please follow the “How to Use the Turbuhaler” steps below to load the dose.
   
   

How to Use the Turbuhaler

Steps	Instructions	Visual
1	Unscrew the cover and lift it off. You may hear a rattling sound.
2	Hold your Turbuhaler upright with the grip at the bottom.
3	To load a dose, turn the grip as far as it goes in one direction. Then, turn it as far as it goes in the other direction (it does not matter which direction you turn it in first). You should hear a “click” sound.
4	Hold your Turbuhaler away from your mouth. Breathe out as far as comfortable. Do not breathe out through your Turbuhaler.
5	Place the mouthpiece between your teeth with lips closed. Breathe in as deeply and as hard as you can through the mouthpiece.
6	Remove your Turbuhaler from your mouth. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then breathe out gently.
7	If more than one dose is required, repeat steps 2 to 6.
8	Wipe the outside of the mouthpiece with a dry towel or tissue paper. Do not use water or liquids. Replace the cover tightly after use.

When Should You Start Using a New Turbuhaler?

Steps	Instructions	Visual
	The dose indicator tells you approximately how many doses (inhalations) are left in the Turbuhaler. The dose indicator is seen in the picture on the right.
For the Symbicort® Turbuhaler
1	When you first see a red mark at the edge of the indicator window, there are approximately 20 doses left.
2	For the last 10 doses, the background of the dose indicator is red.
3	When the “0” on the red background has reached the middle of dose indicator, you must start using a new Turbuhaler.
For the Bricanyl® and Pulmicort® Turbuhaler
1	When you first see a red mark at the indicator window, there are approximately 20 doses left.
2	When the red mark has reached the lower edge of the window, the inhaler will no longer deliver the correct amount of medicine and should be discarded.

Things to Know When Using the Turbuhaler

1. You may not taste or feel any medication when using the Turbuhaler.
2. If you are using a corticosteroid inhaler, you MUST rinse or gargle your mouth with water or mouthwash and spit out after use.
3. The dose will be lost if the Turbuhaler accidentally drops after it is loaded.
   
   

Ensuring Effective Medication Delivery with Your Turbuhaler

Using a Turbuhaler correctly is crucial for effective medication delivery and managing respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. By following the detailed instructions for priming, using, and maintaining your Turbuhaler, you can ensure that you receive the correct dosage each time. Remember to monitor the dose indicator to know when to replace your Turbuhaler and to follow the recommended guidelines, especially when using corticosteroid inhalers. Proper usage not only maximises the benefits of your medication but also helps maintain the functionality of the device.