Some asthma medications can be taken in the form of a dry powder using a
small, hand-held device called a dry powder inhaler (DPI). Dry powder inhalers
deliver medication to the lungs as you inhale through the device. The DPI does
not contain propellants or any other ingredients. It contains only the
medication.
The Diskus (figure 1) contains 60 doses of medication (Advair, Flovent, or
Serevent are the brand names of the medication that may be prescribed for you).
It has a dose indicator that counts down the number of doses as you use them.
Doses 5 through 0 are in red to alert you to refill your prescription. When the
"0" appears in the dose indicator, throw away the Diskus and begin a
new one.
Preparing the diskus:
- Hold the Diskus in your left hand. Place the thumb of your right hand in
the thumb grip. Push your thumb as far away from you as it will go. This action
opens the Diskus to expose the lever underneath.
- Slide the lever away from you until it clicks. This action loads the dose
of medication. You will see the dose counter decrease by one.
Inhaling the medication:
Once you have your DPI loaded, follow these steps to inhale the
medication:
- Turn your head away from the Diskus and breathe out as much air as you
comfortably can.
- Place the Diskus mouthpiece in your mouth and breathe in as steadily, and
as deeply as you can.
- Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds.
- Remove the Diskus from your mouth and exhale slowly.
- Close the Diskus by placing your thumb in the thumb grip and slide the
grip back toward you, as far as it will go. This action resets the inhaler so it
is ready to use for the next treatment.
- If more than one dose is prescribed, repeat steps 1 through 7 for each
dose.
Caring for your DPI
- Keep your dry powder inhaler in a dry place at room temperature.
- Never place the DPI in water.
- Never shake or breathe into the DPI.
- Never use a spacer device with your DPI.
- Unlike other inhaled medications, you may not taste, smell, or feel the dry
powder. This experience may be different from what you are used to. As long
as you are following the directions, you will get your full dose of
medication.
- If you are using a corticosteroid medication, rinse your mouth and gargle
after using the DPI. Do not swallow.