Using a Handihaler.
The Handihaler is a Breath Activated device, which means that the medication is released when you inhale. To use the Handihaler, open the cover of a Handihaler by pushing the green button on the side of the Handihaler.
Open the mouth piece of the Handihaler up, by pulling the mouth piece ridge up. Now you can get the capsule out the foil packet. Separate the capsule pack from the card by tearing along the perforation, remove the medication capsule from the foil packet by peeling off the paper backing until the capsule is fully visible. Do not remove the capsule from the foil packet until you're ready to take the medication.
Place the capsule into the hole of the Handihaler, close the mouth piece, you'll hear a click when the mouth piece is closed, leave the cover open, hold the Handihaler with the mouth piece up, press the green button on the side of the Handihaler, this will puncture the capsule.
Once the capsule is punctured, you'll need to keep the Handihaler steady, do not shake it, cough or breathe into it or you'll loose some of the medication. To take your medication, turn away from the mouth piece and breathe out. Tilting your head back slightly, carefully bring the Handihaler to your mouth, seal your lips tightly around the mouth piece and breathe in rapidly and deeply, so you can feel the capsule vibrate as you inhale. Remove the Handihaler from your mouth and hold your breath for as long as you can up to 10 seconds.
To be sure you've inhaled all of the medication, breathe that out and inhale your medication one more time. When done open the mouth piece and drop the capsule into the trash.
Clean the mouth piece with the clean cloth, when it appears dirty or at least once a week. Always close the Handihaler after use, to help keep the Handihaler clean.
National Jewish Health has been ranked by the U.S. News & World Report as a number one Respiratory Hospital in the Nation for 11 years in a row. Find out more, at njhealth.org.
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