Healthcare Communications Verbal Exam: Inhalers

Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) (DPI) Indication:

a maintenance inhaler used for asthma and COPD

Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) (DPI) When to use:

because it’s a maintenance inhaler, it is scheduled for daily use to minimize symptoms

Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) (DPI) Dose/Timing/Frequency:

it is used by taking 1 inhalation by mouth twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart

Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) (DPI) Technique (Breath/Rinse and Spit?):

First, check the dose counter on the inhaler. Do not use if it says 0 as this means the inhaler is empty. With one hand hold the Diskus in a level flat position. With your other hand, place your thumb on the thumb grip and push your hand away from you until it clicks, you should now see the mouthpiece. While still holding it like this, use your thumb to push the dose lever away from the mouthpiece as far as it will go until you hear it click. Prepare by sitting or standing up straight. Breathe out all the way, away from the inhaler, never breathe into the device. Then, tilt your head back slightly and put the mouthpiece into your mouth, between your teeth, and close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Breathe in quickly and deeply through your mouth, remove the Diskus from your mouth and then hold your breath for up to 10 seconds (if you can’t reach 10 seconds try to hold it for as long as you can). Once those 10 seconds are up, then you want to breathe out slowly away from the device and rinse mouth with water and spit it out. Do not swallow the water. Lastly you want to close the inhaler cover until it clicks. Then after that, you can store it in a cool and dry place.

Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) (DPI) Side Effects:

nausea, vomiting, cold like symptoms, sore throat

Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate/vilanterol) (DPI) Indication:

a maintenance inhaler for asthma and COPD

Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate/vilanterol) (DPI) When to Use:

because it’s a maintenance inhaler, it is scheduled for daily use to minimize symptoms, however, it is not used for asthma attacks, only to keep symptoms at bay

Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate/vilanterol) (DPI) Dose/Timing/Frequency:

it is used by taking 1 puff by mouth once daily  

Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate/vilanterol) (DPI) Technique:

First, check the dose counter on the inhaler. Do not use if it says 0 as this means the inhaler is empty. Then, hold the inhaler upright and do not shake it. Pull the cover down until you hear a click, this will load a dose. Prepare by sitting or standing up straight. Breathe out all the way, away from the device, and never breathe into the device. Tilt your head back slightly, put the curved mouthpiece into your mouth between your teeth, and close your lips tightly around it. Make sure to not block the air vents. Then, breathe in quickly and deeply through your mouth. Remove the inhaler and hold your breath for up to 5 seconds. Once the 5 seconds are up, breathe out slowly away from the device. Next close cover by sliding the cover over the mouthpiece as far as it will go. Then you want to make sure to rinse your mouth out with water and spit it out. Do not swallow the water. Then after that, you can store it in a cool and dry place.

Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate/vilanterol) (DPI) Side Effects:

flu or cold like symptoms, changes in voice, and back or joint pain

Stiolto Respimat (SMI) Indication:

 a maintenance inhaler for COPD

Stiolto Respimat (SMI) When to Use:

because it’s a maintenance inhaler, it is scheduled for daily use but not for during severe episodes, only to keep symptoms down

Stiolto Respimat (SMI) Dose/Timing/Frequency:

it is used by taking 2 puffs by mouth daily once daily

Stiolto Respimat (SMI) Technique (Breath/Rinse and Spit?):

First, check the dose counter on the inhaler. Do not use if it says 0 as this means the cartridge is empty. Then you want to put the inhaler together by pushing the clear safety latch and taking off the clear base. Then you want to push the metal cartridge into the device by pushing it down on a flat hard surface. Then write down the start date on the side of the inhaler. Then put the clear base back on. Next, you want to prime the inhaler by turning the clear base to the right, opening the cap, and pressing the button. You want to repeat this 3 times or until you see a mist come out of the mouthpiece. You only need to prime this inhaler once and that’s it. Then prepare by sitting or standing up straight. Breathe out all the way, away from the inhaler, and never into the device. Tilt your head back slightly, put the mouthpiece into your mouth between your teeth and close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Make sure to not block the air vents. Take a deep and steady breath in as you push the button. Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for up to 10 seconds. Then breathe out slowly, away from the device. You can repeat the steps, turn, open, press, if you need to take another puff. Close the cap once you are done. And store in a cool and dry place.

Stiolto Respimat (SMI) Side Effect:

fast heartbeat, dizziness, or cough

Spiriva Handihaler (tiotropium) (DPI) Indication:

a maintenance inhaler for asthma and COPD

Spiriva Handihaler (tiotropium) (DPI) When to Use:

because it’s a maintenance inhaler, it is scheduled for daily use to minimize symptoms

Spiriva Handihaler (tiotropium) (DPI) Dose/Timing/Frequency:

it is used by taking 2 puffs by mouth once daily

Spiriva Handihaler (tiotropium) (DPI) Technique (Breath/Rinse and Spit?):

First, remove one capsule from the pack by folding the foil where the arrow shoes and peeling it back. Avoid using sharp tools to get the capsule out and never swallow the capsule. Then put one capsule into the inhaler by pressing the green piercing button to release the dust cap, then lift the mouthpiece to reveal the center chamber, put the capsule in, and close the mouthpiece. You will be able to feel and hear the click once the mouthpiece is shut. Keep the dust cap open. Hold the device upright and try not to shake it. Then push the green piercing button and release. This will punch holes into the capsule so it can be breathed in. Then breathe in deeply, then breath out to try and make as much room in your lungs as you can. Lift the inhaler to your mouth and place your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Make sure not to block the air holes. Then breathe in quickly and deeply until you have a full breath. Hold for 10 seconds. (if you can’t hold for 10 seconds try to hold for as long as you can). Take the inhaler out of your mouth and exhale slowly away from device. Then repeat the process once more with the same capsule inside. Once that is done, open the mouthpiece and get rid of the used capsule by tipping the inhaler over the trash can, without touching anything. Clean the inhaler by rinsing it with water and pressing the green button a few times and let it air dry over with the dust cap and mouthpiece open. Keep the inhaler in a dry place.

Spiriva Handihaler (tiotropium) (DPI) Side Effects:

dry mouth, upset stomach, nose or throat irritation

ProAir HFA (albuterol) Indication:

a rescue inhaler for asthma and COPD

ProAir HFA (albuterol) When to Use:

for relief of sudden severe symptoms

ProAir HFA (albuterol) Dose/Timing/Frequency:

it is used by taking 1-2 puffs by mouth every 4-6 hours as needed

ProAir HFA (albuterol) Technique (Breath/Rinse and Spit?):

First, check the dose counter on the inhaler. Do not use if it says 0 as this means the cartridge is empty. This inhaler does need to be primed when new or not used. Prime it by shaking it for 10 seconds and spraying 2-4 puffs into the air, away from you. Prime again if it has not been used for 1-2 weeks or have dropped it. To take a dose, shake the inhaler for 10 seconds. Then take the cap off and make sure that it is clean and theres nothing inside. Prepare by sitting or standing up straight. Breathe out away from the device. Hold inhaler with pointer finger on top of the inhaler. Tilt your head back slightly and put inhaler mouthpiece into mouth, above your tongue and close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Then breathe in through your mouth at the same time that you press down once on the inhaler. Breathe in deep and steady for 3-5 seconds. Remove the inhaler and hold breath for up to 10 seconds. Breath out slowly. Then rinse your mouth with water and spit. You can repeat these steps if another puff is needed. Lastly, put the cap back on and store in a cool and dry place. This can be cleaned using a damp cloth.

ProAir HFA (albuterol) Side Effects:

nausea, vomiting, fast heartbeat