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.
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.
| Steps | Instructions | Visual |
| 1 | Unscrew the cover and lift it off. You may hear a rattling sound. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
| 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. |
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For the Symbicort® Turbuhaler |
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| 1 | When you first see a red mark at the edge of the indicator window, there are approximately 20 doses left. |
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| 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. |
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For the Bricanyl® and Pulmicort® Turbuhaler |
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| 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. |
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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.