Using your inhaler (puffer) properly is important when you have asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

This short video shows you how to use an Accuhaler.

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An Accuhaler is used with a number of different medications. These include:

• Flixotide (fluticasone)
• Flixotide Junior (fluticasone)
• Seretide (salmeterol plus fluticasone)
• Serevent (salmeterol)

Checklist of steps

1. Check dose counter
2. Open using thumb grip
3. Holding horizontally, load dose by sliding lever until it clicks
4. Breathe out gently away from mouthpiece
5. Place mouthpiece in mouth and seal lips
6. Breathe in steadily and deeply
7. Hold breath for about 10 seconds or as long as comfortable
8. While holding breath, remove inhaler from mouth
9. Breathe out gently away from mouthpiece
10. If an extra dose is needed, repeat steps 3 to 9
11. Close cover to click shut

Your inhaler will come with instructions in the package. Always check the package insert for any specific instructions.

Common problems

• Not loading a dose before inhaling
• Not holding the inhaler horizontally while loading and taking the dose
• Not breathing in strongly enough to draw the medication out of the inhaler
• Not holding breath for long enough
• Moisture getting inside from breathing into the inhaler or leaving the cover open

Tips

• Never hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece pointing down during or after loading a dose, as this can dislodge the medication. Keep it horizontal.
• You can test whether you are breathing in strongly enough by placing a dark handkerchief or fine cloth over the mouthpiece before using the inhaler. A very fine layer of powder should be visible on the cloth if you have breathed in strongly enough to draw medication out of the inhaler.
• Always close the inhaler after use

Getting the most out of your inhaler

Ask your doctor, pharmacist or asthma & respiratory educator to:

• Explain how your inhaler should be used
• Check you are using your inhaler properly
• Tell you where to find the expiry date on your inhaler
• Show you how to check if your inhaler is empty or nearly empty
• Discuss any unwanted effects from your medication
• Explain how to clean your inhaler and spacer (if you have one).

Using your inhaler: other inhaler types

• Standard MDI (puffer)
• Standard MDI (puffer) and spacer
• Accuhaler
• Autohaler
• HandiHaler
• Turbuhaler

Content Updated November 18, 2008