How to use Respimat re-usable

Using your inhaler properly is important when you have asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

This short clip shows you how to use a Respimat re-usable inhaler.

Medications

A Respimat re-usable inhaler is used with a number of different medications. These include:

• Spiolto (tiotropium plus olodaterol)
• Spiriva (tiotropium)

Prepare for use

Before using the inhaler for the first time, you will need to load the cartridge and prime the device.

Checklist of steps (loading before first use)

1. Keep cap closed.
2. Remove clear base: press safety catch while firmly pulling off base with other hand.
3. Insert cartridge into inhaler.
4. Place inhaler on a firm surface and push down firmly until it clicks into place.
5. Mark check-box on inhaler’s label.
6. Put clear base back into place until it clicks.
7. Turn clear base in direction of arrows on label until it clicks (half a turn).
8. Open cap fully.
9. Point inhaler toward the ground, then press dose-release button.
10. Close cap.
11. Repeat steps 7-10 until a cloud is visible.
12. Repeat steps 7-10 three more times.

Daily use 

For regular use of the inhaler after the cartridge has been loaded, follow these steps. If this has not been done, follow the steps for Prepare for use.

Checklist of steps (daily use after loaded)

1. Hold inhaler upright with cap closed.
2. Turn base in direction of arrows on label until it clicks (half a turn).
3. Open cap fully.
4. Breathe out gently (away from inhaler).
5. Put mouthpiece in mouth and close lips to form a good seal. (Do not cover air vents.)
6. Start to breathe in slowly and deeply through the mouth and, at the same time, press the dose-release button.
7. Continue to breathe in slowly and deeply.
8. Hold breath for 5 seconds or as long as comfortable.
9. While holding breath, remove inhaler from mouth.
10. Breathe out gently (away from inhaler).
11. Close cap.
12. Two inhalations is the usual dose for medicines used with Respimat. Repeat from step 1 to get the full dose.

Replace empty cartridge

The dose indicator on the cartridge shows how many puffs remain.

When the indicator turns yellow, there are less than 10 puffs remaining and it’s time to obtain a new cartridge.

When the indicator displays a white arrow on a red background, the cartridge is empty and it’s time to insert a new cartridge.

Checklist of steps (replace an empty cartridge)

1. Turn clear base to loosen it and remove from inhaler.
2. Pull out empty cartridge and dispose.
3. Insert new cartridge into inhaler.
4. Place inhaler on a firm surface and push down firmly until it clicks into place. (New cartridge will stick out more than the very first cartridge.)
5. Mark check-box on inhaler’s label.
6. Put clear base back into place until it clicks.
7. Continue from step 7 of Checklist of steps (loading before first use).

Potential errors

• Exhaling into the device mouthpiece
• Mis-timing inhalation and pressing dose-release button
• Not replacing the mouthpiece cover after inhaling

Tips

• If you have any difficultly loading the cartridge, ask your pharmacist to load the cartridge for you
• Always close the cover 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 Narelle Williamson, Asthma and Respiratory educator, and the patient who participated in this film clip.

Development of this How-to video was supported by Boehringer Ingelheim. 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.