Soft mist inhalers need to be primed only before the first use and they do not need to be shaken. Repeat as many times as needed according to the directions on the medicine.Spray it into the air and away from your face and other people.Remove the cap and shake it well for at least 5 seconds (about 10 hard shakes).It is important to prime your inhaler to make sure you get the right amount of medicine in your lungs with each puff. Priming the inhaler mixes the propellant and medicine. They also need to be primed if you haven’t used the inhaler for two weeks or more. Most MDIs need to be primed when you first open them. This means the inhaler can be primed four times before the first use as recommended. If an inhaler needs to be primed before first use, the counter will include the extra puffs needed for first priming.įor example, an inhaler with 200 doses will have a counter that says 204. Tests that the medicine is inserted into the device correctly.Priming inhalers (MDIs and SMIs) is important because it: Check your medicine’s instructions for more information about your device.īreath actuated inhalers (like a RediHaler™) and DPIs (like an ADVAIR DISKUS) do not need to be primed. MDIs and soft mist inhalers need to be primed before first use.
This will depend on the type of inhaler you have. When you open the package of a new inhaler, you may have to prime it. You have to prepare a new soft mist inhaler by inserting a cartridge and priming it before you use it.
These are the types of inhalers that deliver asthma medicine: This may be a handheld inhaler or a machine. The medicines are put into a device that helps you breathe it in. Most asthma medicines are inhaled so they can get directly to the lungs.
In order to learn how to take your medicine the right way, it helps to learn about the different types of asthma devices. What Types of Asthma Devices Are Available? This is especially important when you start taking a new type or brand of inhaler.
Small changes in how you take your asthma medicines may help you breathe better and have better quality of life.Įven if you’ve been using an inhaler for many years, it’s always a good idea to review how you use your inhaler from time to time. Using your inhaler incorrectly may lead to: 2,3 If your medicine isn’t reaching your lungs, your asthma might be harder to control. Up to 92% of people with asthma use their devices incorrectly. Inhaler mistakes are more common than you might think. Incorrect inhaler use can stop your asthma medicines from getting to your lungs. But do you know how you take your medicine is just as important? Why Is Correct Asthma Inhaler Use Important? Taking your asthma medicine regularly is an important part of controlling your asthma.