How to use Genuair

Using your inhaler properly is important when you have asthma or COPD.

This short clip shows you how to use a Genuair.

Medications

A Genuair is used with a number of different medications for COPD. These include:

• Bretaris (aclidinium)
• Brimica (aclidinium plus formoterol)

Checklist of steps

1. Check dose counter. (Do not shake at any time.) 
2. Remove cap by squeezing arrows on each side and pulling outwards. 
3. Hold inhaler horizontally with large coloured button facing straight up. Without tilting inhaler, press and release the button. 
4. Check that control window has changed to green. 
5. Breathe out gently (away from inhaler). 
6. Put mouthpiece in mouth and close lips to form a good seal. Keep inhaler horizontal. 
7. Breathe in strongly and deeply. Keep breathing in after click is heard. 
8. Hold breath for about 5 seconds or as long as comfortable. 
9. While holding breath, remove inhaler from mouth. 
10. Breathe out gently (away from inhaler). 
11. Check that control window has changed to red. 
12. Replace cap. 

Potential errors

• Shaking the inhaler
• Trying to inhale with cap on
• Exhaling into the device mouthpiece after loading the dose
• Inhaling before control window is green
• Holding down large coloured button while inhaling
• Not inhaling strongly enough
• Stopping inhalation too early or not holding breath long enough after inhalation. 

Tips

• Always replace the cap after use.

Getting the most out of your inhaler

Ask your doctor, pharmacist or asthma & respiratory educator to:

• Explain how your inhaler should be used
• Check you are using your inhaler properly
• Tell you where to find the expiry date on your inhaler
• Show you how to check if your inhaler is empty or nearly empty
• Discuss any unwanted effects from your medication
• Explain how to clean your inhaler.

Different brands of inhalers sometimes have slightly different instructions to each other for similar steps. The checklists in our How-To Video library have been simplified and standardised where possible to reduce confusion.

Your inhaler will come with instructions in the package. Always check the package insert for any specific instructions.

Other inhaler types

See our complete How-to video library for other inhaler types and how to use them.

Acknowledgement

Thanks to Ms Judi Wicking, asthma and respiratory educator, and the patient who participated in this film clip.

Development of this How-to video was supported by an untied educational grant from Menarini Australia. The National Asthma Council Australia retained editorial control.

Disclaimer

Although all care has been taken, this video is a general guide only, which is not a substitute for assessment of appropriate courses of treatment on a case-by-case basis. The National Asthma Council Australia expressly disclaims all responsibility (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or personal injury resulting from reliance on the information contained herein.