Bricanyl

• The usual dose of Bricanyl is 1 or 2 inhalations when needed for shortness of breath or wheezing. If you have severe breathing problems you may use up to 6 inhalations at a time. 
• You should not use more than 24 inhalations in any 24 hour period.
• If you're taking more than one inhalation at a time, wait about 2 or 3 minutes between them.   
• Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to use, how often to use it and any special instructions.

Tips

• Keep your inhaler with you at all times: Make sure you have your inhaler with you at all times so you know where it is when you need it and make sure you have enough Bricanyl to last through weekends and holidays.
• Storage: You can carry your inhaler in your pocket but it needs to be stored below 25º C, so don't keep it in your car during summer.

To get the most benefit, it is important to use the correct technique. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse to explain how to use your inhaler. Even if you have been shown before, ask them to show you again if you still have any questions. Here is some guidance.

(Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ & Auckland District Health Board, 2018)

Using your turbuhaler

• Open: unscrew and remove the cap. Hold the turbuhaler upright.
• Load the dose: twist the base anticlockwise and then back in the other direction until you hear a click. Your turbuhaler is now loaded with one dose of medicine
• Breathe out: breathe out, away from the turbuhaler. Do not blow directly into the turbuhaler.
• Inhale your dose: place the mouth piece in your mouth and form a seal with your lips. Breathe in deeply. Remove the turbuhaler and hold your breath for up to 10 seconds.
• Close: replace the cap and twist until it is on properly.

Cleaning and storing your turbuhaler: wipe the mouthpiece with a clean dry tissue. Do not wash the mouthpiece or allow it to get wet when cleaning. Keep the cap on when not in use. The device may clog if exhaled or dribbled into or if stored in an area of high humidity with the cap off or unsealed.

When to start a new turbuhaler: there is a window under the mouthpiece on the outside of the turbuhaler called a dose indicator window. When it turns red it is time to get a new turbuhaler. 

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

• Other medicines: terbutaline interacts with some medications, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting terbutaline and before starting any new products.

Like all medicines Bricanyl can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.