Asthalin Patient Counseling Information

Instructions for use: 1. The mouthpiece cover should be removed and the patient should check inside and outside to make sure that the mouthpiece is clean and that there is no dust, dirt or foreign objects. If it needs cleaning the instructions for cleaning outlined as follows should be followed. If the inhaler gets very cold, patients should be instructed to take the metal canister out of the plastic actuator and warm it in their hands for a few minutes before use. Patients should never use anything else to warm it up. The inhaler should be shaken prior to use.
2. The inhaler should be held upright with the thumb on the base, below the mouthpiece. Patients should breathe out as far as is comfortable and then.
3. Immediately place the mouthpiece in the mouth between the teeth, and close their lips around it. Patients should be instructed to be careful not to bite the mouthpiece.
4. Breathe in slowly. Just after starting to breathe in through the mouth, patients should press down on the top of the inhaler to release a spray, while still breathing in steadily and deeply.
5. Patients should hold their breath, remove the inhaler from the mouth, and take their finger from the top of the inhaler. Patients should continue holding their breath for about 10 seconds, or as long as is comfortable, prior to breathing out slowly.
Patients should be instructed not to rush stages 3, 4 and 5.
It is important that patients breathe in as slowly as possible just before using the inhaler. Patients should be instructed to try practising in front of a mirror for the first few times. If patients see mist or spray coming from the inhaler or the sides of the mouth, they should start again from stage 2.
6. If patients are to take another spray, they should keep the inhaler upright, and wait about half a minute before repeating steps 2 to 5.
7. Once patients have finished using the inhaler, they should be instructed to always replace the mouthpiece cover to keep out dust and fluff and should make sure to replace the cover firmly and snap it into position.
People with weak hands may find it easier to operate the inhaler with both hands, by putting both forefingers on the top of the inhaler, and both thumbs on the bottom below the mouthpiece.
For detailed instructions for use, the patient should be referred to the Patient Information Leaflet included in each pack, with specific reference to the pictograms which accompany the instructions for use.
The inhaler should be cleaned at least once a week as described as follows, as it can become blocked, which will affect the way in which the inhaler works and will affect the amount of salbutamol which is inhaled.
1. First remove the metal can from the plastic actuator and take off the mouthpiece cover.
2. Rinse the plastic actuator, mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover in tap water; DO NOT place the metal can into water or clean the can using water. Make sure the water runs through the actuator from both ends to ensure that the actuator orifice is clear and not blocked.
3. The plastic components (actuator and mouthpiece cover) should be placed in a warm place to dry thoroughly before re-assembling the inhaler. Avoid drying near direct or excessive heat.
The patient should follow the cleaning instructions described in the Patient Information Leaflet carefully in order to ensure that the inhaler continues to work properly.
At first use of a new inhaler, or after a period when the inhaler has not been used (7 days or more), the inhaler should be shaken well and two sprays should be discharged prior to use, to prime the inhaler.