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COPD: Using Your Flexhaler
COPD: Using Your FlexhalerYour doctor may prescribe a medication for you in the form of a Flexhaler to help control your COPD. A Flexhalerdelivers powdered medication into your lungs.It’s very important that you use your Flexhaler correctly to make sure that you get the right amount of medication. Ifyou don’t, you could end up with more in your mouth than in your lungs.Let’s take a closer look at the Flexhaler. It has a cover, a mouthpiece, a dose indicator showing how muchmedication is left in your Flexhaler, and a grip.To use your Flexhaler first unscrew the cover.With the mouthpiece facing up turn the grip on the bottom all the way to the right, then back to the left. The clickmeans the medication is loaded and ready for use. After 5 times you will see the does indicator go down by 5.Exhale deeply; making sure the Flexhaler mouthpiece is away from your mouth.Bring the Flexhaler to your mouth. Take a deep breath in. Your goal is to hold your breath for 10 seconds.Breathe out away from the device.Repeat these steps again if another dose is prescribed.Put the cover back on the Flexhaler when you are finished with your dose.It is important to rinse your mouth, and spit the water out, after using a Flexhaler.This removes any powder that has settled on your tongue or in your mouth and will help prevent a yeast infection inyour mouth called thrush.Remember don’t swallow the rinse water.When you finish using your Flexhaler make sure you never get it wet and to store it in a cool dry place, away frommoisture.You should clean it once a week with tissue.Page 1 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCPD1005798 EN COPDUsingYourFlexhaler.pdf© The Wellness NetworkCOPD: Using Your FlexhalerFollow your healthcare provider’s direction on how many times a day to use your Flexhaler.Remember when using your Flexhaler to…Unscrew the cover.Turn the grip on the bottom to the right, and then back to the left until you hear a click.Exhale fully away from the Flexhaler.Bring the Flexhaler to your mouth and take a deep breath in.Hold your breath for ten seconds.Take the Flexhaler away from your mouth and exhale.If you have any questions about your Flexhaler, or feel that you may be experiencing side effects, talk with yourhealthcare provider.Page 2 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCPD1005798 EN COPDUsingYourFlexhaler.pdf© The Wellness Network
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