What are Easyhalers?
- Easyhalers are inhaler devices that help deliver a specific amount of medication to your lungs.
- They are used to deliver medications that are used for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Both asthma and COPD affect the lungs which makes it harder for the person to breathe.
Why is it important to use Easyhalers correctly?
- Easyhalers deliver a very small dose of the medication each time, thus you usually do not feel or taste anything after a dose.
- Hence, it is important to use the Easyhaler correctly to get the full dosage and benefit from the medication.
- This allows the medication to have a higher chance of reaching the small airways, which increases the effectiveness of the medication and helps reduce any side effects.
How do Easyhalers work?
Each Easyhaler consists of a plastic device that contains dry powdered medication. It is activated by breath. This means that when you inhale, the Easyhaler automatically releases the medication.
How should I take/use Easyhalers?
| Steps | Description |
| 1 | Hold the Easyhaler in one hand and remove the cover with the other hand |
| 2 | Shake the Easyhaler up and down 3 to 5 times. |
| 3 | Hold the Easyhaler upright between your thumb and index finger. |
| 4 | Press down once on the coloured button with your index finger until you hear a ‘click’ sound. |
| 5 | Release your finger. The dose is now ready for use. |
| 6 | Breathe out normally away from the Easyhaler. Do not breathe into the Easyhaler. |
| 7 | Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and seal your lips around the mouthpiece. |
| 8 | Breathe in as steadily and deeply as you can until your lungs are full. |
| 9 | Remove the Easyhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for at least 5 seconds, Then breathe out slowly away from the mouthpiece with your mouth. |
| 10 | If another dose is required, repeat steps 1 to 9 after 1 minute. |
| 11 | Replace the cover after use. |
| 12 | The last 20 doses will appear in red. |
| 13 | If your Easyhaler contain a steroid, please rinse your mouth with water after use to prevent oral fungal infection. |
What should I avoid when using Easyhalers?
- Do not click the Easyhaler more than once. If you accidentally click the Easyhaler more than once, you need to empty the powder out by tapping the mouthpiece on a table or the palm of your hand before repeating from Step 2.
- Do not blow into the Easyhaler or immerse it into water.
How should I store Easyhalers?
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
How should I clean my Easyhalers?
Wipe the outside of the mouthpiece regularly (once a week) with a dry tissue. Do not use water or liquids when you clean the mouthpiece.
When should I throw away this medication?
- The Easyhaler comes in an aluminium foil packaging. Once the foil packaging is opened, the expiry of the Easyhaler is reduced to 6 months.
- Check the dose counter and change the inhaler once the dose counter indicates zero doses.
How should I throw away this medication safely?
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.
Disclaimer
Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side-effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side-effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (NHG Health, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Contributed By
- Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore