Asthma Medications

A guide to using asthma medications and devices

Asthma medications Asthma medications play a vital role in keeping you well and free of asthma symptoms. Asthma medications work very well when taken properly. However, many people choose to only use preventers for short periods or when they are not feeling well, and end up relying on their blue reliever puffer for short term relief. This means many people with asthma put up with symptoms when they dont need to and their every day life is affected. Making your medicine work for you is an important step in living well with asthma. Taking your medication Even if you think you are using your asthma medication properly, it is worth checking with your doctor, pharmacist or local Asthma Foundation. Learn the correct technique to give yourself the best chance of living well with asthma. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist if you experience side effects from medication or you think your medication is not working as it should. Devices Asthma medications come in a variety of devices. Most asthma medications are breathed in, as this is the best way to get medication into the lungs where it is needed. There is also a range of aids which help you get the best benefit from the medication. Spacers help more asthma medication get right into your lungs and can reduce side effects. They are recommended for everyone using puffers and are particularly important for young children or people who find taking asthma medication difficult. Talk with your doctor, pharmacist or local Asthma Foundation about which device is best for you.
Asthma Medications

Asthma plans Asthma Australia recommends that everyone with asthma should have a plan for their overall asthma care, from their doctor. This should always include a written asthma action plan telling you what to do if your asthma is worsening. A copy of the plan should be given to carers (for example childcare workers, school & preschool staff and relevant family members). Asthma First Aid Asthma Australia provides community education and training for Asthma First Aid (see inside back cover). We encourage everyone to learn asthma first aid.

Medication review If you have asthma it is recommended that you see your doctor for an asthma review at least twice a year. Check your asthma plan is working for you and you are not having unnecessary asthma symptoms. Storage Check your medication expiry date and exact storage instructions. Most asthma medications require storage at room

temperature, in dry areas. Spacers should not be kept in plastic bags as this can increase static electricity and affect the way they work. Getting rid of medicines you dont need You can return expired or empty medications to your pharmacist for safe disposal. Prescriptions Most asthma medications require a prescription. Ask your doctor if you need a repeat prescription to make sure you dont run out. Most blue reliever medications can be bought over the counter, but you should still make sure your doctor knows when and how you are using these. If you are using your blue reliever puffer medication 3 or more times per week, speak to your doctor as this is a sign that you are not well or your asthma plan needs to be changed.

Find out more about your medications Asthma medications come with Consumer Medicine Information which can be provided by any pharmacist or doctor, or you can find them and other information about medications online at nps.org.au Find out more about asthma Asthma Australia provides a range of resources in both hard copy and online to assist people with asthma. Your local Asthma Foundation has trained staff available to assist with any questions you have regarding asthma for yourself, someone you care for, or people you work with. You can also ask about community education and training programs. Contact your local Asthma Foundation: 1800 645 130 (office hours) asthmaaustralia.org.au

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Reliever Medication - Blue

Common Names What it does How long it takes to work How to take it
Airomir, Asmol, Bricanyl, Ventolin Relaxes tight airway muscles Very quickly Inhaled

Useful Information
Commonly called blue reliever puffer Keeps airways open for up to 4-6 hours Provides relief from symptoms within 4 minutes See the devices section to check if you are taking your medication properly Symptoms may include: Breathlessness Wheezing Tight chest Persistent cough Use a blue reliever puffer with a spacer for Asthma First Aid Exercise can trigger asthma. Speak to your doctor about managing your asthma so you can continue to exercise In case of symptoms, or for Asthma First Aid See your doctor for an asthma review This will pass quickly. Speak to your doctor if concerned

When to take it

When you have symptoms

Emergency Before exercise as prescribed

Helpful to know

Carry it with you always If you are using your blue reliever puffer 3 or more times per week

Common side effects

Shakes, rapid heartbeat Children can become restless

Preventer Medication Autumn/Desert Colours

Common Names
Alvesco, Flixotide, Pulmicort, Qvar, Intal Forte, Tilade Singulair Tablet Reduces swelling Reduces mucus Starts to work within one day Singulair within one day Inhaled - Alvesco, Flixotide, Intal Forte, Pulmicort, Qvar, Tilade Oral tablet - Singulair Every day as prescribed The key to keeping well with asthma Corticosteroid - possible side effects include oral thrush, voice change, sore mouth and throat Intal Forte and Tilade - cough after use Singulair headaches and stomach upset

Useful Information
Corticosteroid Non-steroid Non-steroid tablet Preventers make airways less sensitive Preventers can take days and even several weeks to fully work See the devices section to check if you are taking your medication properly Take your preventer every day as prescribed even if you feel well Preventers are most effective if you take them every day as prescribed You can reduce this by using a spacer with puffers. Always rinse, gargle and spit after using preventer medication. Clean your teeth after use. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned regarding any side effects

What it does How long it takes to work How to take it

When to take it Helpful to know

Common side effects

Asthma Medications

Symptom Controller Medication Green

Common Names What it does How long it takes to work How to take it
Oxis, Serevent Relaxes tight airway muscles Varies up to 30 mins Inhaled

Useful Information
Also called long acting relievers Keeps airways open for up to 12 hours Oxis works within minutes Serevent up to 30 mins Always prescribed for use with a corticosteroid preventer See the devices section to check if you are taking your medication properly Always use with prescribed preventer medication For example, if a person always takes their preventer, but continues waking at night with asthma symptoms, the doctor may also prescribe a symptom controller, as it can keep airways open for longer than blue reliever medication This will pass quickly. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned

When to take it Helpful to know

Every day as prescribed Prescribed for people who have asthma symptoms even with regular preventer use always used with a corticosteroid preventer

Common side effects

Shakes, rapid heartbeat, headaches

Combination Medications Purple or Red & White

Common Names What it does
Seretide (Flixotide and Serevent) Symbicort (Pulmicort and Oxis) Combination medication = Preventer (reduces swelling + reduces mucus) + symptom controller (relaxes tight airway muscles) Preventer within one day Symptom controller varies with type up to 30 mins Inhaled

Useful Information
Purple Red and white Preventers make airways less sensitive Symptom controllers keep airways open for up to 12 hours Preventers can take weeks to work fully. Symptom controllers work to keep airways open for longer periods See the devices section to check if you are taking your medication properly For Symbicort SMART* Take your combination medication as prescribed Speak to your doctor if you regularly take your preventer and continue to have regular symptoms Speak to your doctor if you are concerned

How long it takes to work

How to take it

When to take it

Every day as prescribed

Helpful to know

Prescribed for people who have asthma symptoms even with regular preventer use As for preventer and symptom controllers

Common side effects

* SMART Symbicort Maintenance and Reliever Therapy Protocol Some people over the age of 12 may have Symbicort prescribed as both their reliever and preventer under strict guidelines. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about this.

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breathed into the lungs. Some spacers which is useful if someone is frail or un

pacerss S Small all Spacer

How to use devices Puffers, spacers and masks A spacer holds the spray from a puffer until the medication is breathed into the lungs. Some spacers can be used with masks. This can help small children and others who have difficulty taking their medication. Small Volume Spacers with

How to use a spacer and ma

acers Sp 1
How to use a spacer and mask
Shake puffer well. Shake puffer well

A spacer holds the spray from a puffer until the medication is 1 Remove with masks, breathed into the lungs. Some spacers can be used without puffer. Small Volume Spacers with or cap from a Mask Shake which is useful if A spacer holds frailspray from a puffer until the medication is someone is the or unwell. puffer well.

Sm

or without a Mask

breathed into the lungs. Some spacers can be used with masks, which is useful if someone is frail or unwell.

How to use a spacer and mask

How to use a spacer and mask

4
Gently place mask over

rs with or without a Mask

a puffer until the medication is spacers can be used with masks, 1 Remove cap rail or 1 Remove cap from puffer. puffer.from puffer. unwell. RemoveShakefrom well. cap puffer

3 puffer to place spacer. are no gaps Gently to there of 2 and puffer soendover 2 AttachmouthAttachnosemask arespacer. gently a around the so How end ofthere you should no mouth and noseedges. Breathe out look
gaps for personal use only around edges.

re and ou for

nd mask

2
2

Static electricity builds up inside Spacers inside of the Spacer, instead of the lungs Note: Never spray any more than one puff of be washed when rst bought, then mon the medication into the spacer at any time. blocked. Wash the mask as required, in t

Attach puffer to end of spacer. 5 breathe out gently away for up to 10 seconds and breathe medication, from Attach puffer to endover To take more out. Gently place mask of spacer shake puffer and repeat steps 2 4. mouthpiece mouth and nose so there are no Note: Never spray any more than one puff of gaps around edges.

Press down on soapy on puffer Press down water Wash in warm puffer once to re medication into spacer. Breathe in once to fire medication into spacer. Do not rinse and out normally for 4 breaths or breathe Breathe in and out normally for 4 Pressout, then breathe in once to down on puffer for 5 seconds, hold breathsto air and breathe puffer up to 10 secondsdry.down onwipe Allow or press Do not forinto spacer. Breathe in out. re medication Gently place mask over once to fire medication into spacer, for 4 the mouthpiece clean of mouth and nose so there are and out normally Wipebreaths or breathe deeply, deterg no then breathe in slowly and gaps around edges. out, then breathe inhold5 seconds, hold for for up to 10 seconds and

the medication into the spacer at any time.

Asthma Medications Note: Never spray any more than one puff of the medication into the spacer at any time.

To To take more medication, take more medication, shake 4. shake puffer and repeat steps 2 puffer and repeat steps 2 - 4 It gets more of the medication down

Why 5 use a Spacer?

pacers
without a Mask

Spac 1 rs
Shake puffer well. Attach puffer to end of Spacer.

Assemble a spacer How to usethe Spacer (if not already assembled)

How to use a Spacer

Place mouthpiece of Spacer in shoul How mouth and ensure lips seal around personal use only For it.

1 Spacer How to use aRemove cap from puffer.

Shake already assembled) 2 Assemble the Spacer (if not puffer well. Attach puffer to end of

4
For personal use only

Static electricity b the inside of the should be washe becomes blocked

Take the Space

Place mouthpiece of Spacer in Spacer. mouth and ensure lips seal around it.

Allow to air dry

Wipe the mou

Do not keep in

Remove cap from puffer. Shake puffer 1 Remove cap end of spacer well. Attach puffer tofrom puffer.

to 10 seconds and breathe out. Place mouthpiece of Spacer in ntil the medication is It gets more o How should you look after your spacer and mouth and ensure lips seal around it. To take more an be used with masks, Static electricity builds up inside Spacers. T for personal use only 4 Breathe in and out normallytake more medication, shake show To for medication, shake puffer and Picture ell. the inside of puffer and repeat repeat2 4. 2 - 4 steps steps 4 breaths, or breathe out gently then the Spacer, instead of the lung breathe in for 5 seconds, hold beup should for washed when rst bought, then Static electricity builds up inside out. to 10 seconds and breathe Spacers. This makes the medication stick to th becomes blocked. Press down on puffer canister instead of the lungs. To reduce static build up, Spacers sho inside of the Spacer, Throat once to re medication into Spacer. rst bought, then spray more than one puffvalve becomes sk be washed when or more often if the of 5 Tothe mask as Never monthly method describedwash in warm take more medicationSpacer apart and time. medication, in the Spacer at any below. shake blocked. Wash required, SpacersTake the into Remove cap from puffer. puffer and repeat steps 2 4. Lungs More medication will get into lungs by Allow to air dry. not wipe dry Shake mouthpiece of Spacer in Place puffer well. Attach spacer Wash in warm soapyrecommended that Dopuffers are Place mouthpiece of canister in 3 Press down on puffer It is water one puff at aall doing time. Wipe the mouthpiece clean of Stomach mouthpufferonceend ofseal aroundSpacer. it, Do not rinse used with a spacer. Using a spacer is detergent and ensure re medication into it. mouth to toensure lips seal around and lips Spacer. Never spray more than one puff of breathe out gently Allow to air dry.into Spacer atDo notbecause: plastic bag, as this also medication Do not wipeany time. recommended keep in a

)r

Breathe in and out normally for 4 breaths or breathe in slowly and deeply, Breathe in and out normally for hold for up toor breathe out gently then 4 breaths, 10 seconds and breathe out gently away from mouthpiece breathe in for 5 seconds, hold for upuse Why

4 How should you look aft a

55

Attach puffer to end of spacer.

Wipe the mouthpiece time. of detergent before use doing one puff at a clean

Why

There are fewer side effects from and easier to c 4 Breathe in and out normally for the medication It or breathe out as it requires 4 breaths,is easier to use gently then less breathe coordination than a puffer alone in for 5 seconds, hold for up to 10 More medication out. seconds and use a inhaled into Why use a Spacer? breathe is Spacer? the lungs.

More medication will get into lungs by

Spacers can w

hen breathe in for 5 seconds, hold to 10 seconds and breathe out.

down on puffer canister 4 breaths, Pressto once to breathe out gently spacer Press down on pufferorfire medication intothen once breathe to for 5medication intofor up edication into once inBreathe in spacer. re seconds, hold Spacer. ut normally for 4 breaths or breathe to 10 seconds and breathe out. To take more medication, shake puffer and repeat steps 2 4.

4 3 Breathe down on puffer canister Press in and out normally for 5

more It gets more of theTo takeIt gets medication, shake medication down into the the medication down into more of lungs, so medicine will work
Picture showing drug depositon of medication in lungs with spacer vs no spacer

puffer and repeat steps 2 4.

Picture showing drug depositon of medication in lu

Throat

Never spray more than one puff of Throat medication into Spacer at any time. More medication willThroat into lungs by get Lungs doing one puff at a time.
Lungs

Lungs

To take more medication, ake puffer and repeat steps 2 4.

Stomach

Stomach

Spacers can work just as well asStomach a nebuliser, and they are cheaper Never spray more than one puff of and easier to carry around medication into Spacer at any time. Note: Never spray any more than one puff of More medication will get into lungs by Picture showing the difference Spacers can work just as well as a nebul the medication into the spacer at any time. doing one puff at a time. between how to carry around goes and easier much medication More medication will get into the lungs by into the lungs, with and without a spacer doing one puff at a time.
6/ 7

Choosing your spacer Spacers come in different sizes and shapes. Small spacers are useful for children, and for carrying around with your blue reliever puffer. Larger spacers are useful for adults, and for using at home with preventer medications. Speak to your doctor, pharmacist or Asthma Foundation to work out which spacer is the best for your needs. Cleaning your spacer Clean your spacer the same way every month: put it completely under warm water with detergent. Do not rinse it. Leave it to air dry. Masks Very young children may require a mask to ensure as much asthma medication as possible is breathed into their lungs.

Photos (from top): 1. Washing spacer in warm water with detergent 2. Allowing spacer to air dry 3. Young child with spacer and mask

Asthma Medications

How to use a puffer

Using a spacer with a puffer will minimise side effects and deliver medication more effectively to your lungs. Puffers require good coordination so it is important to press down on the canister and breathe in at the same time.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Remove cover from mouth piece Hold puffer upright and shake well Breathe out Tilt the chin up to open your airways Put puffer mouthpiece in mouth and create a seal with lips Start to breathe in through mouth, then fire one puff of medication and continue to breathe in steadily and deeply Remove puffer from mouth, close mouth and hold breath for 10 seconds Breathe out gently away from mouthpiece Replace cover To take more medication, repeat steps 2 to 8

How to clean a puffer

Some puffers require cleaning every week to prevent blockage from a build up of medication*

1 2 3 4

Remove metal canister. Do not place in water Wash the plastic casing only. Rinse mouthpiece through top and bottom under warm running water for at least 30 seconds. Wash mouthpiece cover Allow to air dry Reassemble

*Intal Forte and Tilade puffers should be washed every day and allowed to dry for more than 24 hours before re-use. Preventer and combination puffers must never be washed, and should only be wiped with a dry tissue.
8/ 9

y its base Accuhalers b of Accuhalers contain medication as a dry powder. p. Openuse an Accuhaler How to umb grip

4 5 6
Remove Accuhaler from mouth then hold breath for up to 10 seconds, then breathe out gently away from Accuhaler If another dose is required, push lever back to starting position and repeat steps 2 to 4 Close Accuhaler

Hold accuhaler by its base in one hand. Place thumb of other hand on thumb grip. Open Accuhaler by pushing thumb grip around until it clicks

s3

How to Accuhaler from Removelook after an Accuhaler m Avoid then hold breath breathing into the10 sec for Accuhaler up to out keep it dry then breathe Always gently away from Slide lever until it clicks. The medication is now loaded Keep Accuhaler. beingit closed when not used

If you are using for If anotheryouran Accuhalerit is dispensing dose is required medication, from lever back important that it DOES NOT get and to starting position wet. If it requires cleaning, use a dry ece in steps 1 4. clean cloth to wipe the device wder. specifically the mouthpiece Breathe out away from Accuhaler. Put mouthpiece in al is formed.mouth ensuring good when the Accuhaler is empty? How can I tell seal is formed. Breathe in steadily through mouth gh mouth
There are 60 doses of is empty? How can I tell when the Accuhalermedication in an Accuhaler. A dose counter on the side of the Accuhaler will show how many doses remain. The last 5 show Accuhaler. A dose counter on the side of the There are 60 doses of medication in anup red.

Wipe the mouthpiece with a clean dry tissue

clicks. loaded.

Accuhaler will show you how many doses remain. of Dose Counter on Accuhaler The last 5 show up in RED Diagram Diagram of Dose Counter on Accuhaler

Close Accuhaler. Empty

Empty

Asthma Medications

alers 2
1

a oh1 lers
r to ale nt. a toh Au ropell ke p Sha and n atio dic me

o tAutohalers Au
r rf co se coordination is reduced.veAutohtableockinagt top l ve ou mo Hold hou er e wt 2 hRpiece.ition wiiftt grey lev t Ho s L u o up ts at . How to use an Autohaler mix ven evice Shake Autohaler to fd o mo ight p ase. b r

t s a ver a nt so re i le oes ed The e the er d vat i al Slid act toh Au Autohalers breath d. the mpty e f I is e are r duc to it ers s Autohalersnaree Au hal tio i breath activated so the need for coordination is reduced r to na le an Au rdi r ha or h Autohalers are breath activatedaleso the problem of uto re f coo uto

A How to use an Autohaler an

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oI wd Ho

medication breath activated so the problem of and propellant s reduced. mix

alers
1
2
mix

Autohaler

se clo er, up to hal uto th for lowly A ve brea ut s o mo Re hold athe nd Bre th a nds. ose. u mo eco he n s 10 ugh t o thr

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3

ctivated .

ler .

dose of medication vents at base.steadily and deeply for approximately 5 Lift grey lever at top automatically of device. of Put seconds. The Autohaler will re a dose n up. device.

Load the Autohaler by holding it uprigh grey lever 10 seconds.How toIout slowly an Breathe care for How do look after an Autoha grey lever Therenose. small is a through the Autohaler sliding lever on the bo There is a small sliding lever on the bottom of the Autohaler. Slide the lever across Slide the 22 Removecover4BreatheAutohaler mouthpiece in mouth,lever across Remove mouthpiece and Breathe3 tiltRemove Autohaler, close out, chin up. Put Remove cover from hold breath for up Put from Autohaler mouth and out, tilt chin up. to closing lips firmly in mouthpiece. Hold Autohaler in mouth, closing lips rmlythrough If doesnt re any medication, and rinse the mo Hold Autohaler Breathe out slowly rinse mouthpiece mouthpiece. mouthpiece in around it. Breathe in If the Autohaler the Autohaler doesnt re warm Removethe mouthpiece in any medic 10 seconds. upright position without blocking it is fire a upright mouth steadily and deeply. The Autohaler will empty it is empty position without blocking through mouth water around it. Breathe in through the nose. vents at base. Lift grey lever at top
Leave it to air dry, then

n grey lever io upright position without al posit blocking t ly igin r Pu m vents at base. Liftr grey lever at top to o r p. ve in u lips h y le g t t ch of device. reThere is a small sliding lever on the bo g , til closin mou ly 5 Shake Autohaler ut uth, ough ate se urn Slide the lever across e o to mix Ret Remove cover from Autohalerthmouthpiece. Hold r o ath o xim Bre e in m e Remove cover from in r appro r medication and propellant. Autohalere a d c th without blocking vents l o Autohaler in upright position ply fin r wil a ie mouthpiece. Hold it Bre ee If the Autohaler doesnt re any medic so the problem ofmouthpAutohalerohale ally. d at base. Lift greyarlever. and dblockingtic of the device upright position oun ily athe Aut totop without the ma it is empty . ded au eadgreyTlever at top st vents at base. Liftconds ation nee e is se edic of device. dos of m her not if a 5 1 Remove Autohaler, close eps t st pea Re Load themouth and by holding it for up to Autohaler hold breath upright and lifting up the

Load the Autohaler by holding Autohaler 2 Remove cover from it upright and lifting Hold Autohaler in. lever by holding it uprigh Load the Autohaler up the grey mouthpiece. There is a small sliding lever on the bottom of the Autohaler. Slide the lever across

How can I tell when the Aut

How can I tell when the Autohaler is empty?

rins nd ea c iec p pla uth n re mo the o t r y, ove g in ir d em thin to a R any ge ve h ea pus dama L e not Do caus y ma

ca

How can If the Autohaler does Aut I tell when the

not fire any medication, it is

How can I tell when the Autohaler is empty? empty

4

Leave to air dry, then replace mouthpi

replace damage of medication automatically. ing lips rmly may causemouthpiece cover gh mouth Autohaler? Remove Autohaler, close Return grey lever not push position. into How do I care for an Do to original anything roximately 5 the mouthpiece as this may mouth and hold breath ill re a dose 4 Remove Autohaler,1close if another for up to 10 seconds. y. cause damage Repeat steps 5 dose is needed

Do not push anything into the mouthp

Remove Autohaler, close er dose is needed hold breath for up to mouth and 10 seconds. Breathe out slowly through the nose.

mouth and hold breath for up to Breathe out Remove mouthpiece gently away 10 seconds. Breathe out slowly Return grey lever to original position. from mouthpiece through the nose.

4 5

5 How do I care for an Autoha

and rinse the mouthpiece in warm water

Leave to air dry, then replace mouthpiece cover Do not push anything into the mouthpiece, as this

Return grey lever to Remove mouthpiece and rinse the mo may cause damage original position

Repeat steps 1 to 5 if another dose is needed Do not push anything into the mouthp

Leave to air dry, then replace mouthpi may cause damage

Return grey lever to original position.

eded

If you are using an Autohaler for dispensing your medication, it is important that it DOES NOT get wet. If it requires cleaning, use a dry clean tissue to wipe the device - specifically the mouthpiece
Return grey lever to original position.
10 / 11

Turbuhalers

al1ers
1 1

Turbuhalers contain TurbuhalersCheck: Is the person able to use medication as a dry powder that Device contain medication as a drydevice? powder thatrequires deep inhalation to get medication into the lungs requires deep inhalation to get medication into the lung

How to use a Turbuhaler

HowDevice Check:Turbuhaler to use device? to use a Is the person able

How to use a Turbuhaler

Unscrew and lift off cap.

Breathe out away away Breathe out gently gentlyfrom from Turbuhaler. Do not blow on Put Turbuhaler. Do upright. Twist it. Put Hold Turbuhaler not blow on it. mouthpiece in mouth ensuring mouthpiece in right then left, until a good coloured base to the mouth ensuring a good seal formed with lips. Breathe in it clicks. seal is is formed with lips. Breathe in through mouth forcefully and deeply through mouth forcefully and deeply for approximately 5 seconds.

on as a dry powder that et medication into the lungs

Unscrew and lift off cap Unscrew and lift off cap.

Hold Turbuhaler upright. Twist coloured base around all the Breathe way, and then from out gently away To take more medication, Picture of Turbuhaler showing dose indicator. Replace cap. back all the Turbuhaler. Do not blow on it. Put repeat steps 2 to 4 Your Turbuhaler is equipped way Remove Turbuhaler from mouth mouthpiece in Twist Hold Turbuhaler upright. mouth ensuring a good with a dose indicator. You before breathing out.will need to check regularly oloured base toseal is formed with until Breathe in the right then left, lips. Notes: to see if the red mark has through mouth forcefully and deeply clicks. appeared in the window. You will not get a higher dose5 seconds. coloured base more than once at the same time for approximately by twisting the from Breathe out gently away The rattling you hear when you shake the Turbuhaler is the drying agent built into the coloured base of the Replace cap. To take more medication repeat Turbuhaler Turbuhaler. medication on it. Put and is not the Do not blow mouthpiece in mouth ensuring a good steps 2 4. seal is I clean a lips. Breathe in How shouldformed with Turbuhaler? through mouth forcefully and deeply If you arefor approximately higher dose by twisting your medication, it is important that it using will not get a 5 for dispensing the Note: You a Turbuhalerseconds.

Hold Turbuhaler upright. Twist coloured base to the right then left,Remove until Turbuhaler it clicks. from mouth Note: You will not get a higher dosebefore by twisting the coloured base more than once at the same time. breathing out gently away from the Remove Turbuhaler from mouth The indicator on the side ofmouthpiece will eithe the device before breathing out. cap device (Symbicort) or appear red to indicate tha Replace Pulmicort and Oxis). See picture below.

How can I tell when a Turbu

4 5

5 4

56

coloured base requires cleaning, use a DOES NOT get wet. If itmore than once at the same time.dry clean6 To take more medication repeat cloth How can I tell when a Turbuhaler is empty? to wipe the device specifically the mouthpiece steps 2 4.

Note: before Pulmicort andout. See get a higher dose by twisting the breathing You will not picture below. Oxis).

The can tell when device will either highlight empty? in the left 4HowindicatorIon theorside of the atoTurbuhaler is the dosesNote: The rattling you hear when you shake the Remove Turbuhaler from mouth device (Symbicort) appear red indicate that it is nearly empty (Bricanyl,

built into the coloured base of the Turbuhaler, an

coloured base more the device will either The indicator on the side ofthan once at the same time. highlight the doses left in the device Picture of Turbuhaler showing dose indicator. (Symbicort) or appear in red to indicate that it is nearly empty (Bricanyl, Pulmicort and Oxis) Your Turbuhaler is equipped

Replace cap.

with a dose indicator. You will need to check regularly to see if Location has the red mark of appeared in the window. dose indicator

2020 doses doses remaining

remaining

Empty Your Turbuhaler is equipped How should I clean a Turbu

Empty

To take more medication repeat steps 2 4.

with a dose indicator. You will need to check regularly to see if the red mark has It is important not to get any part of a Turbuhale appeared in the window wipe a dry tissue over the mouthpiece. Always

Asthma Medications Note: The rattling you hear when you shake the Turbuhaler is the drying agent built into the coloured base of the Turbuhaler, and is not the medication.

Treatment of acute asthma If you are very unwell and have little response to relievers, your doctor may prescribe a short course of oral steroids in liquid or tablet form (Prednisolone/ Prednisone). This is used to reduce the swelling in the airways and quickly improve asthma in an acute attack or when symptoms persist. When used in short courses of 3-5 days, oral steroids are generally free of significant side effects, but some patients experience temporary mood changes, weight gain, or worsening of diabetic control. They may cause side effects when used in high doses for weeks to months at a time, or when more frequent short courses are used. The risks of not taking this treatment when needed are far more serious than any side effects. If you are concerned, discuss this with your doctor.

Nebulisers Nebulisers convert liquid medication into a fine mist inhaled through a mouthpiece or mask. The air-flow and pressure of your nebuliser should be checked regularly (at least once a year). Depending on use, disposable nebuliser bowls may need replacing regularly, according to the manufacturers instructions. It is advisable to always have a spare bowl. Nebuliser filters should be changed regularly and the machine serviced according to the manufacturers instructions. Used correctly, a puffer and spacer are just as effective as a nebuliser. A nebuliser is sometimes recommended by the doctor if using a puffer and spacer is difficult for someone. For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or local Asthma Foundation.
12 / 13

Asthma Medications

Asthma First Aid

1 2
Sit the person upright Be calm and reassuring Do not leave them alone Give medication Shake the blue reliever puffer* Use a spacer if you have one Give 4 separate puffs into the spacer Take 4 breaths from the spacer after each puff
*You can use a Bricanyl Turbuhaler if you do not have access to a puffer and spacer

3 4

Giving blue reliever medication to someone who doesnt have asthma is unlikely to harm them

Wait 4 minutes If there is no improvement, repeat step 2

If there is still no improvement call emergency assistance (DIAL 000) Tell the operator the person is having an asthma attack Keep giving 4 puffs every 4 minutes while you wait for emergency assistance

Call emergency assistance immediately (DIAL 000) if the persons asthma suddenly becomes worse

To nd out more contact your local Asthma Foundation: 1800 645 130 asthmaaustralia.org.au Translating and Interpreting Service: 131 450
Asthma Australia September 2010 Supported by the Australian Government

This brochure has been developed for the community by Asthma Australia. It provides information about: Asthma medications Using asthma medication to keep you well Using asthma medication devices properly How to look after your device To find out more about asthma contact your local Asthma Foundation: 1800 645 130 (office hours) asthmaaustralia.org.au Translating and Interpreting Service: 131 450 Ask them to telephone your local Asthma Foundation on 1800 645 130 (office hours)

All Asthma Australia information is endorsed by our Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee and is consistent with the National Asthma Council Australia clinical guidelines. Asthma Australia information does not replace professional medical advice. People should ask their doctor any questions about diagnosis and treatment. Asthma Australia March 2011 This can be copied for education purposes This resource is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the Asthma Management Program.