Relenza Caution For Usage

Special precautions for disposal and other handling: The inhaler (DISKHALER) is loaded with a disk containing inhalation powder packed in individual blisters. These blisters are pierced when the inhaler is used, and with a deep inhalation the powder can then be inhaled through the mouthpiece down into the respiratory tract. Detailed instructions for use are enclosed in the pack.
Incompatibilities: Not applicable.
Step-by-step instructions: Read the step-by-step guide carefully before having the first dose. If still not sure on how to use the DISKHALER, ask a pharmacist to go through the instructions.
The DISKHALER has three parts: Don't take it apart until the step-by-step guide has been read.
The ROTADISK fits into the DISKHALER.
The ROTADISK fits onto the wheel of the DISKHALER.
The ROTADISK contains four blisters. Each blister contains 5 mg of RELENZA. A dose is normally two blisters (10 mg).
Important: Don't pierce any of the blisters on the ROTADISK before loading it onto the DISKHALER.
Keep a ROTADISK on the DISKHALER between doses, but don't pierce a blister until just before the inhaled dose.
Keep the DISKHALER clean. Wipe the mouthpiece with a tissue after using it, and replace the blue cover between uses.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO USING RELENZA DISKHALER: To load a ROTADISK into the DISKHALER: 1. Remove the blue cover. Check that the mouthpiece is clean, inside and outside.
2. Hold the white sliding tray and pull it out until it stops.
3. Gently squeeze the finger grips on the sides of the white tray. Remove the tray from the main body. The white tray should come out easily.
4. Place a new RELENZA ROTADISK on the wheel. Make sure the printed side is up, with the blisters facing downwards. The blisters fit into the holes in the wheel.
5. Push the white tray back into the main body. If not yet ready to inhale a dose of RELENZA straight away, replace the blue cover.
To get the dose ready to inhale: Don't do this until just before inhaling the dose.
6. Hold the DISKHALER horizontally. Flip the lid up as far as it will go. The lid must be fully vertical, to make sure that the blister is pierced at both the top and bottom. Push the lid back down. The DISKHALER is now ready for use. Keep it horizontal until the dose has been inhaled. Keep the DISKHALER horizontal.
To inhale the medication: 7. Don't put the DISKHALER into the mouth yet. Breathe out as far as is comfortable, keeping the DISKHALER away from the mouth. Don't blow into the DISKHALER to avoid blowing the powder out of the ROTADISK. Place the mouthpiece between the teeth. Close the lips firmly around the mouthpiece. Don't bite the mouthpiece. Don't block the airholes on the side of the mouthpiece.
Take one quick, deep breath in through the mouthpiece. Hold this breath for a few seconds. Remove the Diskhaler from the mouth. Carry on holding the breath for a few more seconds or as long as is comfortable.
To prepare the next blister (the second part of the dose): 8. Pull the white tray out as far as it will go (don't remove it completely), then push it back in again.
This will turn the wheel so the next blister will appear. Repeat if necessary until a full blister is positioned under the piercing needle. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to inhale the medicine.
9. After inhaling the full dose (normally two blisters): Wipe the mouthpiece with a tissue and replace the blue cover. It's important to keep the DISKHALER clean.
To replace the ROTADISK: 10. When all four blisters are empty, remove the ROTADISK from the DISKHALER and insert a new one, using steps 1 to 5.