How to videos

Using your inhaler (puffer) properly is important when you have asthma.

This short clip shows you how to use a flutiform inhaler with a spacer.

Medications taken with this inhaler

A flutiform inhaler is a metered dose inhaler (pMDI), and contains fluticasone propionate and eformoterol.

Checklist of steps

1. Assemble spacer (if necessary)
2. Check dose counter
3. Remove cap
4. Hold inhaler upright and shake well
5. Insert inhaler upright into spacer
6. Put mouthpiece between teeth without biting and close lips to form good seal
7. Breathe out gently into the spacer
8. Keep spacer horizontal and press down firmly on the canister once
9. Breathe in slowly and deeply
10. Hold breath for about 5 seconds or as long as comfortable*
11. While holding breath, remove spacer from mouth
12. Breathe out gently
13. Remove inhaler from spacer
14. For the second inhalation, repeat all steps starting from step 4
15. Replace cap

* If you find it difficult to take one big breath, you can instead take 3–4 regular breaths in and out through the spacer

If the inhaler is brand new or you haven’t used it for a week or more, you will need to prime the inhaler before taking a dose. Check the package insert for instructions.

Potential problems 

• Not breathing in quickly enough after pressing the canister, so the medication falls to the bottom of the spacer
• Not breathing in deeply enough
• Not holding breath for long enough
• Taking several puffs without waiting or shaking the inhaler in between

Tips

• Looking after your spacer properly helps the medication get to your lungs better, as it doesn't stick to the sides or get clogged in the valve
• Using a spacer can help reduce the chance of side-effects like hoarse throat and thrush
• Ask your pharmacist about a facemask if you can't seal your lips around the spacer mouthpiece properly
• Rinse your mouth with water and spit after inhaling the last dose to reduce the risk of side-effects

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

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.

Acknowledgement

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 Mundipharma. 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.

Note: flutiform is the registered trade mark of Jagotec AG used under licence by Mundipharma Pty Limited. Mundipharma Pty Limited ABN 87 081 322 509, 88 Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. Tel: 1800 188 009.