How to use HandiHaler

Using your inhaler (puffer) properly is important when you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This short video shows you how to use a HandiHaler.

Medication

A HandiHaler is used mainly with one medication - Spiriva (tiotropium).

Checklist of steps

1. Open cap.
2. Open mouthpiece.
3. Peel back foil, remove capsule and put capsule in chamber.
4. Close mouthpiece until it clicks.
5. Press green piercing button in once and release. Do not shake.
6. Breathe out gently (away from inhaler).
7. Put mouthpiece between teeth (without biting) and close lips to form good seal.
8. Breathe in slowly and deeply, so capsule vibrates.
9. Keep breathing in as long as comfortable.
10. While holding breath, remove inhaler from mouth.
11. Breathe out gently (away from inhaler).
12. Repeat steps 7 - 11 to take the full dose.
13. Open mouthpiece and remove used capsule.
14. Close mouthpiece.
15. Close cap.

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

Potential errors

• Piercing the capsule several times or not piercing the capsule at all.
• Not breathing in strongly enough to draw the medication out of the inhaler.
• Not taking a second breath to receive the full dose from the capsule.
• Swallowing the capsule instead of inhaling it through the HandiHaler.
• Not using a new capsule for each dose.

Tips

• If you sometimes have trouble getting your inhaler open when it's new, ask your pharmacist to work the cover back and forth a few times to loosen the hinge when you collect it.
• Always close the inhaler after use.

Getting the most out of your inhaler

Ask your doctor, pharmacist or asthma and 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 the Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs as part of the Prevent Puffer Problems campaign. 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.