HealthNotes

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this medication and device. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 1 dose as needed. Your doctor may direct you to use additional doses if your symptoms last after the first dose. Carefully follow your doctor's directions. Do not use more than 6 doses in a 24-hour period.

Before using, remove the cover. To load a dose, hold the inhaler upright with the grip downward. Turn the blue grip as far as it will go in one direction, then turn it back to the original position. You should hear a click, which means the inhaler is ready for use. Place the mouthpiece near your mouth and breathe out as far as is comfortable. Do not breathe into the inhaler device. Then place the mouthpiece between your teeth, close your lips, and breathe in forcefully and deeply through your mouth. You may not taste or feel the drug when you breathe it in. This is normal. Remove the inhaler from your mouth before breathing out. Replace the cover after each use. To decrease the risk of side effects, rinse your mouth with water after using the inhaler.

If you accidentally drop, shake, or breathe out into the inhaler after it is loaded, you will lose your dose and must reload a new dose before use. Do not use the inhaler if it has been damaged or if the mouthpiece has come off.

If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait at least 1 minute between the use of each medication.

Clean the outside of the mouthpiece with a dry tissue once a week. Do not use water or any other liquid for cleaning. If liquid gets into the inhaler, it may not work properly.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use it more often than prescribed.

Keep track of the number of inhalations used from each device. Discard the device after you have used the number of inhalations marked on the manufacturer's package.

Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day (controller drugs) and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, worsening peak flow meter readings, waking up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler more often (more than 2 days a week), or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.