Seretide Patient Counseling Information

Instructions for use of your SERETIDE Accuhaler: CLOSED: When you take your Accuhaler out of its box and remove any foil overwrap that may be present, the Accuhaler, will be in the closed position.
OPENED: A new Accuhaler contains 60 doses individually protected doses of your medicine, in powder form. The dose indicator tells you how many doses are left.
Each dose is accurately measured and hygienically protected. It requires no maintenance and no refilling.
The dose indicator on top of your Accuhaler tells you how many doses are left. Numbers 5 to 0 will appear in RED, to warn you when there are only a few doses left.
The Accuhaler is easy to use. When you need a dose, just follow the five simple steps: 1. Open. 2. Slide. 3. Inhale. 4. Close. 5. Rinse.
How your Accuhaler works: Sliding the lever of your Accuhaler opens a small hole in the mouthpiece and unwraps a dose, ready for you to inhale it. When you close the Accuhaler, the lever automatically moves back to its original position, ready for your next dose when you need it. The outer case protects your Accuhaler when it is not in use.
1. Open - How to use the Accuhaler: To open your Accuhaler, hold the outer case in one hand and put the thumb of your other hand on the thumb grip. Push your thumb away from you as far as it will go.
2. Slide - Hold your Accuhaler with the mouthpiece towards you. Slide the lever away from you, as far as it will go - until it clicks. Your Accuhaler is now ready to use. Every time the lever is pushed back, a dose is made available for inhaling. This is shown by the dose counter. Do not play with the lever as this releases doses which will be wasted.
3. Inhale - Before you start to inhale the dose, read through this section carefully.
Hold the Accuhaler away from your mouth. Breathe out as far as is comfortable. Remember - never breathe into your Accuhaler.
Put the mouthpiece to your lips. Breathe in steadily and deeply - through the Accuhaler, not through your nose.
Remove the Accuhaler from your mouth.
Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or for as long as is comfortable.
Breathe out slowly.
You may not be able to taste or feel the powder on your tongue, even if you have used the Accuhaler correctly.
4. Close - To close your Accuhaler, put your thumb in the thumb grip, and slide the thumb grip back towards you, as far as it will go.
When you close the Accuhaler, it clicks shut. The lever automatically returns to its original position and is reset. Your Accuhaler is now ready for you to use again.
5. Rinse - Afterwards, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out.
If you have been instructed to take two inhalations you must close the Accuhaler and repeat stages 1 to 4.
REMEMBER: Keep your Accuhaler dry. Keep it closed when not in use. Never breathe into your Accuhaler. Only slide the lever when you are ready to take a dose. Do not exceed the stated dose.
Evohaler: Testing your inhaler: Before using for the first time or if your inhaler has not been used for a week or more remove the mouthpiece cover by gently squeezing the sides of the cover, shake the inhaler well, and release two puffs into the air to make sure that it works.
Using your inhaler: 1. Remove the mouthpiece cover by gently squeezing the sides of the cover.
2. Check inside and outside of the inhaler including the mouthpiece for the presence of loose objects.
3. Shake the inhaler well to ensure that any loose objects are removed and that the contents of the inhaler are evenly mixed.
4. Hold the inhaler upright between fingers and thumb with your thumb on the base, below the mouthpiece.
5. Breathe out as far as is comfortable and then place the mouthpiece in your mouth between your teeth and close your lips around it, but do not bite it.
6. Just after starting to breathe in through your mouth, press firmly down on the top of the inhaler to release salmeterol and fluticasone propionate, while still breathing in steadily and deeply.
7. While holding your breath, take the inhaler from your mouth and take your finger from the top of the inhaler. Continue holding your breath for as long as is comfortable.
8. To take the second puff keep the inhaler upright and wait about half a minute before repeating steps 3 to 7.
9. Afterwards rinse your mouth with water and spit it out.
10. Replace the mouthpiece cover by firmly pushing and snapping the cap into position.
IMPORTANT: Do not rush stages 5, 6 and 7. It is important that you start to breathe in as slowly as possible just before operating your inhaler. Practise in front of a mirror for the first few times. If you see "mist" coming from the top of your inhaler or the sides of your mouth you should start again from stage 2.
If your doctor has given you different instructions for using your inhaler, follow them carefully. Tell your doctor if you have any difficulties.
Children: Young children may need help and an adult may need to operate the inhaler for them. Encourage the child to breathe out and operate the inhaler just after the child starts to breathe in. Practice the technique together. Older children or people with weak hands should hold the inhaler with both hands. Put the two forefingers on top of the inhaler and both thumbs on the base below the mouthpiece.
Cleaning: Your inhaler should be cleaned at least once a week.
1. Remove the mouthpiece cover.
2. Do not remove the canister from the plastic casing.
3. Wipe the inside and outside of the mouthpiece and the plastic casing with a dry cloth, tissue or cottonbud.
4. Replace the mouthpiece cover.
DO NOT PUT THE METAL CANISTER INTO WATER.