How to use Breezhaler

Using your inhaler properly is important when you have asthma or COPD.

This short clip shows you how to use a Breezhaler.

Medications

A Breezhaler is used with a number of different medications. These include:

• Atectura (indacaterol plus mometasone)
• Enerzair (indacaterol/glycopyrronium/mometasone)
• Onbrez (indacaterol)
• Seebri (glycopyrronium)
• Ultibro (indacaterol plus glycopyrronium)

Checklist of steps

1. Remove cap. 
2. Tilt the mouthpiece to open. 
3. Remove capsule from blister and place in chamber. 
4. Close mouthpiece until it clicks. 
5. Press side piercing buttons in once and release. (Do not shake.) 
6. Breathe out gently (away from inhaler). 
7. Put mouthpiece between teeth (without biting) and close lips to form good seal. 
8. Breathe in rapidly and steadily, so capsule vibrates. 
9. Continue to breathe in as long as comfortable. 
10. Hold breath for about 5 seconds, or as long as comfortable. While holding breath, remove inhaler from mouth. 
11. Breathe out gently (away from inhaler). 
12. Open mouthpiece and remove used capsule. 
13. If more than one dose is needed,* repeat all steps starting from step 3. 
14. Close mouthpiece and cap. 

* Not usually appropriate for medicines delivered by Breezhaler 

Potential errors

• Not piercing the capsule
• Piercing the capsule more than once
• Not using a new capsule for each dose
• Not breathing in forcefully enough

Tips

• 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.

Different brands of inhalers sometimes have slightly different instructions to each other for similar steps. The checklists in our How-To Video library have been simplified and standardised where possible to reduce confusion.

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

Other inhaler types

See our complete How-to video library for other inhaler types and how to use them.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Ms Judi Wicking, asthma and respiratory educator, and the patient who participated in this film clip.

Development of this How-to video was supported by an untied educational grant from Novartis. The National Asthma Council Australia retained editorial control.

Disclaimer

Although all care has been taken, this video is a general guide only, which is not a substitute for assessment of appropriate courses of treatment on a case-by-case basis. The National Asthma Council Australia expressly disclaims all responsibility (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or personal injury resulting from reliance on the information contained herein.