Do I need to rinse my mouth or brush my teeth after using the Turbuhaler?
The clicking sound is very soft; I don’t think my Turbuhaler is working properly.
To use Turbuhaler correctly, do I have to twist the base back and forth and then inhale?
The mouthpiece clicks when turned - am I supposed to twist the mouthpiece as well?
Why can the mouthpiece be twisted?
Should I be inhaling and twisting the base of the Turbuhaler simultaneously?
Do I risk getting a double dose of medication if I click twice without inhaling in between? Or does the dispenser remain shut until the first dose has been inhaled?
After I’ve clicked and inhaled a dose - when and how is the next dose administered?
The dose counter does not seem to move when I twist the base, even if I click several times. Is my Turbuhaler working correctly?
How do I know when my Turbuhaler is empty?
The dose indicator shows red background and the number 20. Does that mean there are 20 doses left in the Turbuhaler?
Are there any doses left in the Turbuhaler when the dose indicator indicates 20?
What does the dose indicator show when the Turbuhaler is empty?
Should I return my Turbuhaler to the pharmacy when it’s empty for safe disposal?
I don’t think I’m receiving any medication when I use my Turbuhaler - I can’t feel any taste in my mouth?
Most dry powder inhalers contain rather large amounts of lactose, an ingredient that has a sweet taste. Turbuhaler, on the other hand, does not contain lactose, or contains only minute amounts. Turbuhaler is also very effective in transporting the drug to the lungs, so that less drug is deposited in the mouth. This means that you won’t be able to taste the medication when inhaling.
Turbuhaler is very reliable, and if used correctly you will receive the correct dose. However, to make sure you really are receiving a dose, hold a piece of dark cloth over the mouthpiece of the Turbuhaler and inhale through it. If your Turbuhaler is working correctly, you will see white powder deposited on the fabric. Don’t forget that doing this test means you won’t be receiving any drug in that inhalation, so it is important that you inhale a dose as normal afterwards!
Do I need to rinse my mouth or brush my teeth after using the Turbuhaler?
As with all inhaled corticosteroids, there is a slight risk of fungal infection (thrush) in the mouth when using medications containing budesonide, such as Symbicort and Pulmicort. Although this infection affects only a very small number of people, it is a good idea to routinely rinse your mouth after inhalation. However, if rinsing is inconvenient for some reason (eg if you are travelling), don’t worry - this won’t be a problem as the risk is very small indeed.
The clicking sound is very soft; I don’t think my Turbuhaler is working properly.
How loudly the Turbuhaler clicks doesn’t matter - as long as you can hear a clicking sound when twisting the base, however soft, your Turbuhaler is working correctly. See question 1 for advise on how to check that your Turbuhaler is delivering medication correctly.
To use Turbuhaler correctly, do I have to twist the base back and forth and then inhale?
Yes, to take a dose, twist the base of the Turbuhaler once in each direction before inhaling - it doesn’t matter which way you turn first.
The mouthpiece clicks when turned - am I supposed to twist the mouthpiece as well?
No, the mouthpiece turns automatically when the cap is put on and off. You should not twist the mouthpiece, although no harm is done if you do so.
Why can the mouthpiece be twisted?
The mouthpiece has a built-in cleaning function, which is activated automatically when the Turbuhaler cap is put on and off. You should not twist the mouthpiece but should you do so accidentally it will do no harm. Since the mouthpiece is easily twisted, do not hold Turbuhaler by the mouthpiece when you are loading the dose.
Should I be inhaling and twisting the base of the Turbuhaler simultaneously?
No - first twist the base once in each direction so that you hear a clicking, then place the mouthpiece between your lips and inhale. Refer to the information leaflet that came with your Turbuhaler for full instructions on how to use the Turbuhaler correctly.
Do I risk getting a double dose of medication if I click twice without inhaling in between?
Or does the dispenser remain shut until the first dose has been inhaled?There is no risk of getting a double dose with Turbuhaler - even if you don’t inhale between two or more clicks, you will never get more than one dose. If a dose is not used it will automatically return to the drug reservoir.
After I’ve clicked and inhaled a dose - when and how is the next dose administered?
To load Turbuhaler with a dose of medication ready for inhaling, turn the base as far as it will go first in one direction, then the other - it doesn’t matter which way you turn first!
The dose counter does not seem to move when I twist the base, even if I click several times. Is my Turbuhaler working correctly?
The dose indicator moves only very slightly for each dose inhaled. You need to use the Turbuhaler for at least five inhalations before you can judge the movement. If the position of the dose indicator is unchanged after at least five inhalations, consult your pharmacist as your Turbuhaler may be faulty.
How do I know when my Turbuhaler is empty?
Your Turbuhaler is empty when the number 0 appears in the dose indicator window.
The dose indicator shows red background and the number 20. Does that mean there are 20 doses left in the Turbuhaler?
The position of the dose indicator that you describe indicates that there are approximately 20 doses left in the Turbuhaler. This means you should obtain a new prescription from your doctor or asthma nurse.
Are there any doses left in the Turbuhaler when the dose indicator indicates 20?
The position of the dose indicator described indicates that there are approximately 20 doses left in the Turbuhaler. This means you should obtain a new prescription from your doctor or asthma nurse.
What does the dose indicator show when the Turbuhaler is empty?
The Turbuhaler is empty when the number 0 appears in the dose indicator window.
Should I return my Turbuhaler to the pharmacy when it’s empty for safe disposal?
Turbuhaler can be disposed of as regular household waste; it needn’t be returned to the pharmacy.
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This site is intended for people who have been prescribed Symbicort. The information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. For specific questions relating to your own asthma you should talk to your doctor.
