This handout explains how to use a diskus at home. A diskus is an inhaler that gives youone or two medicines in a dry powder form. These medicines help open your airways, making it easier to breathe.
Instructions
Before you start, wash your hands with soap and warm water to reduce the risk of infection. You can also use anti-bacterial hand gel.
While holding the Advair diskus in one hand, place the thumb of your other hand on the grip. Then push away until the mouthpiece appears and snaps into place.
Hold the diskus level.
To load the dose, slide the lever away from you as far as it will go until it clicks. Do not shake the diskus after loading it.
Breathe or blow out to empty the air out of your lungs. Never blow into the diskus mouthpiece.
Put the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips.
Breathe in steady and deep.
Hold your breath for about 10 seconds.
Close the diskus.
Rinse your mouth with water and spit or brush your teeth.
Cleaning the Diskus
Use a dry tissue or cloth to clean the mouthpiece. Do not put the diskus into water.
Checking the Dose
There is a window on the diskus that shows how many doses are left. The numbers will change to red when there are 5 doses left. Your diskus is empty when the number is “0” in red.