Symbicort Rapihaler Caution For Usage

Instructions for use, handling and disposal: Read carefully before starting to take/use this medicine.
This contains information about Budesonide + Formoterol fumarate dihydrate (SYMBICORT RAPIHALER) and how to use and clean the device. Read the leaflet carefully before using the inhaler and refer to it when using the medicine. The patient may find the need to clean the inhaler regularly (at least weekly). Follow the cleaning instructions at the end of the leaflet.
This medicine has been prescribed personally and should not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same.
For further questions, ask the doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
The doctor, nurse or pharmacist will instruct the correct use of the inhaler.
Inhaler: The inhaler will already be assembled upon receiving it. Do not take the inhaler apart. If it becomes loose, then place it back and continue to use it as instructed.
Preparing the Inhaler for Use: Take the inhaler out of the moisture-protective foil before using it for the first time and throw away the foil. If the inhaler is new, if it has not been used for a week or more, or it has been dropped, shake it gently and release 2 puffs or actuations (for the 80/4.5 and 160/4.5 micrograms/actuation strengths) in the air to prepare it for use.
Taking the medicine: 1. Shake the inhaler gently before each use.
2. Remove the mouthpiece cover.
3. Hold the inhaler upright in front of mouth, using the thumb(s) at the base of the inhaler and index finger(s) on the top. Breathe out as far as the patient can and put the mouthpiece gently in the mouth, between the teeth, and close lips around it.
4. Start to breathe in deeply, comfortably and slowly through the mouth, press firmly down on the inhaler to release a puff of medicine.
5. Continue to breathe in and hold breath for approximately 10 seconds or as long as it is comfortable, take the inhaler from the mouth and the finger from the top of the inhaler.
6. Take another puff, as directed by the doctor, shake the inhaler gently then repeat steps 3 to 5.
7. Put the mouthpiece cover back to keep dust and other debris from getting into the medicine.
8. Rinse the mouth with water to remove any excess medicine.
Important Information: Cleaning Instructions: The inhaler mouthpiece will need to be cleaned regularly, at least once a week and to do this the patient will need to: 1. Remove the mouthpiece cover.
2. Wipe the inside and outside of the mouthpiece opening with a clean, dry cloth.
3. Replace the mouthpiece cover.
4. Do not put the inhaler in water.
5. Do not try to take the inhaler apart.
Reading the Counter: The arrow on the counter on the top of the inhaler points to the number of inhalations (puffs) remaining in the inhaler.
The counter will count down toward zero ("0") each time it release a puff of medicine (either when preparing the inhaler for use or when taking the medicine).
When the arrow on the counter enters the yellow area, this means that there are about 20 puffs left.
It is very important to take note the number of inhalations (puffs) remaining in the inhaler by reading the counter. Discard the inhaler after the counter reaches zero ("0"), indicating the used the number of inhalations on the product label and box. The inhaler may not feel empty and it may continue to operate, but it will not get the right amount of medicine if the patient keeps using it.
See also Dosage & Administration. The canister should not be broken, punctured or burnt, even when apparently empty.
The canister contains a pressurised liquid. Do not expose to temperatures above 50°C.
Instructions for the correct use of Budesonide + Formoterol fumarate dihydrate (SYMBICORT RAPIHALER) with a spacer device: The use of Budesonide + Formoterol fumarate dihydrate (SYMBICORT RAPIHALER) with a spacer device is recommended to enable patients with difficulty in co-ordinating inhalation with actuation, such as young children or the elderly, to derive greater therapeutic benefit.
Note: It is important to instruct the patient to: Carefully read the instructions for use.
On actuation of the aerosol, the dose is released into the inhalation chamber. The inhalation chamber is then emptied by two slow deep breaths. Young children may need to breathe 5-10 times through the mouthpiece. For further actuations, the procedure is repeated. For young children who are unable to breathe through the mouthpiece, a face mask can be used. Compatible face masks are available separately and care should be taken to ensure a good fit is achieved.
Incompatibilities: Not applicable.