Using a Flexhaler®

Many medications are available as inhaled treatments. Inhaled methods deliver medication directly to the airway, which is helpful for lung diseases. The patient and healthcare provider can choose from a variety of delivery systems for inhaling medication.

A Flexhaler® consists of a plastic device containing dry powdered medication, and it is breath activated. This means when you inhale, the Flexhaler® automatically releases the medication. When inhaled correctly, the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways. This increases the medication's effectiveness. The portable size, efficiency and convenience make the Flexhaler® a desirable method for inhalation treatment.

Transcript

This device is called a Flexhaler. It is a breath-activated device, which means that the medication is released when you inhale.

Before you use the Flexhaler for the very first time, you will need to prime it. To prime the Flexhaler, twist off the cap and hold the device straight up. Turn the bottom to the left and then to the right. You will hear a click. Now repeat this. You do not have to prime the Flexhaler any other time.

When you are ready to take your medication, you will need to load it. To load the medication, hold the Flexhaler up straight, turn the bottom to the left and then back to the right and you’ll hear the click. The medication is now loaded and ready for you to take.

Once the medication is loaded, you’ll need to keep the Flexhaler steady. Do not shake it or cough or breathe into it or you will lose some of the medication. To take your medication, turn away from the mouthpiece and breathe out. Then carefully bring the Flexhaler to your mouth and seal your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Breathe in rapidly and deeply and hold your breath as long as you can – up to 10 seconds. Let’s see what that should look like. We’ve already loaded our medication and we’re ready to go.

Repeat for each dose you’ve been told to take, starting with the loading of the medication. Always rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after using the Flexhaler. The Flexhaler has a dose counter window below the mouthpiece. It will let you know approximately how many doses are left. When the device is full, you will either see the number 120 or 60 at the center of the window, depending on your prescription. As you use your device, you will notice that the numbers decrease by 10, alternating numbers and dashes going down to 0. For example, if your Flexhaler starts at 120, after 10 doses, you will see a dash in the middle of the window. After 10 more doses, you will see the number 100. After 10 more doses, you will see a dash with 90 doses remaining. The Flexhaler will count down to 0 in the center of the window when the device is empty. When the Flexhaler is empty, you will still hear a sound when you shake the device, but it’s not the medication. It is the drying agent that keeps the medication dry.

To clean the Flexhaler, do not put it in water. Simply wipe the mouthpiece with a clean cloth when it appears dirty or at least every week. And then be sure to keep the cap on the Flexhaler® after each use to help it stay clean.

Before Using a New Flexhaler®

Only follow these steps the first time you use your new Flexhaler®.

Remove the cap from the Flexhaler® by unscrewing the cap.
Hold the Flexhaler® with the mouthpiece up.
Turn the brown bottom of the Flexhaler® all the way to the right and back to the left. You will hear it click.
Repeat steps 2-3.

Taking an Inhaled Treatment

Remove the cap from the Flexhaler® by unscrewing the cap.
Hold the Flexhaler® with the mouthpiece up. This will load the medication correctly.
Turn the bottom all the way to the right and back to the left. You will hear it click. This will load the medication.
Hold the Flexhaler® away from your mouth and gently breathe out.
Seal your lips around the mouthpiece.
Inhale rapidly and deeply. Continue to take a full, deep breath.
Resume normal breathing.
Repeat steps 1-7 when more than one puff is prescribed.
Rinse your mouth and spit out the water after inhaling the medication.
Keep the Flexhaler® cap on when not in use. This will keep the Flexhaler® clean and dry.

Identifying When the Flexhaler® is Empty

Empty Flexhaler. The Flexhaler® has a dose counter window below the mouthpiece. It will let you know approximately how many doses are left. As you use the Flexhaler® the numbers will count down by 10. The Flexhaler® will count down to zero in the center of the window when the Flexhaler® is empty. Plan to get a new Flexhaler® before you see the zero in the window.

Cleaning the Flexhaler®

Wipe the mouthpiece with a clean cloth at least once a week or if it appears dirty. Do not put the Flexhaler in water.

This information has been reviewed and approved by Ann Mullen, RN, CNS, MSN, AE-C (December 2014)