Onbrez

• Always use Onbrez exactly as your healthcare provider has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.
• The usual dose is 1 capsule inhaled once a day.
• Don't swallow the capsules.
• Inhale the powder in the capsule using the Breezhaler device.
• Missed dose: If you miss a dose, you can take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s nearly time for your next dose, just take your next dose at the right time.

To get the most benefit, it's important to use the correct technique. Ask your healthcare provider to show you how to use your Breezhaler device. 

The video below provides some guidance on how to use a Breezhaler device. The Breezhaler is the name of the device used to deliver the medicine to your lungs and airways. There are different names for each Breezhaler depending on the medicines inside the device.

Your Breezhaler may be a different colour to the one in the video below. It's important to know the name and colour of your Breezhaler, eg, Seebri®, Onbrez® or Ultibro®. Read more about understanding your medicines(external link).

Video: How to use your Breezhaler device

(Healthify & Auckland District Health Board, NZ, 2018)

Using your Breezhaler device

• Open: Remove the cover to expose the mouthpiece. Pull back the mouthpiece to reveal the capsule chamber.
• Insert the capsule: The capsules come packaged in a foil wrapping. Pull back the foil edges to release one capsule. Don't remove the capsule by pushing it through the foil – this will damage the capsule. Place the capsule into the capsule chamber. Close the mouthpiece until you hear a click.
• Pierce the capsule: Hold the inhaler upright and press both side buttons at the same time. You should hear a click as the capsule is pierced. Then release the side buttons.
• Inhale your dose: Put the mouthpiece into your mouth and seal your lips firmly around it. Breathe in rapidly and deeply until your lungs are full and hold your breath for 10 seconds. You will hear the sound of the capsule vibrating in the chamber.
• Take two breaths from one capsule: To get your full daily dose, you must use your inhaler twice from the same capsule.
• Discard the used capsule: After inhaling your dose, open the mouthpiece and throw away the used capsule. Close the mouthpiece and the lid of the inhaler.

Cleaning and storing a Breezhaler: You can clean the device by wiping the mouthpiece with a clean dry tissue. Do not wash the mouthpiece or allow it to get wet when you're cleaning it. You'll get a new Breezhaler with your repeat prescription every month. Close the device when it's not in use. Store it in a cool dry place, away from heat and moisture.

Here are some things to know when you're taking Onbrez. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

• Keep using your Breezhaler every day. Don’t stop using it, even if you feel better. Since COPD is a long-term condition, prevention with Onbrez is ongoing and it will need to be used every day.
• Try to use your inhaler at the same time each day, to help you to remember to use it regularly.
• Driving: Onbrez can make you feel dizzy. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Other medicines: Onbrez interacts with some medicines, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your healthcare provider before starting Onbrez and before starting any new products.

Like all medicines Onbrez can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms you think might be related to your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Common side effects

• A different taste in your mouth, dry mouth, cough: Rinse your mouth after using your Onbrez.
• Headache.
• Feeling dizzy.
• Sore muscles.
• Sore throat, runny nose and cold-like symptoms.

Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 if these occur

• Fast heart rate or chest pain.
• Feeling nervous, restless, agitated.
• Trembling or shakiness.
• Problems sleeping.
• Difficulty breathing or worsening of your breathing problem.
• Swollen hands, ankles and feet.
  
  

Phone 111 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) clinic if these occur

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as itchy skin, and rash, swollen lips or tongue, problems breathing, like a tight chest or shortness of breath.

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.