daft q about Spiriva inhaler

Hi

how do you know when you need to change the inhaler body for Spiriva? Is it when its harder to use or wait till it stops working? Sorry for what seems a daft q.

Carole

[stone-UK]

Hi

Every 12 months is recommended.

Ps forgot they is no daft questions, but I am sure we will find some daft answers. Ha ha

[Hidden]

Thanks for that. Ive only had mine 2 months but it sounds much louder and is harder to use, hence asking. God to know

[stone-UK in reply to Hidden]

Hi they are loud, that tells you it is working..

What I do is place capsul in the device, close it up give it a shake then press the plunger.

Place to mouth after breathing out, and tak a long deap breath in, it should rattle.

If you are uncertain your pharmacy will show the correct way to use.

It it surprising how many people use inhalers wrongly, which they discover when they attend pulmonary rehabilitation classe.

But you will find your pharmacy very helpful , do not be afraid to ask.

[scorpiolass]

I ask for mine to be changed annually but sometimes I have to keep reminding. Mx

[Hidden]

I have several and just use the one nearest to hand. x

[i_am_iamnins_nin]

My first one kept splitting the capsules, then it didn't rattle. Not had a problem since getting a new one.

Nin

[megannell]

" Hello lloegr. i am adding a link for you to take a look at as it may help you. my Dr's gave me this link to watch on how to use a spiriva inhaler properly. hope it maybe of some help to you too. good luck..Megan..

youtube.com/watch?v=bXHHFmZ...(Not working as expected?)

[megannell]

youtube.com/watch?v=bXHHFmZ...(Not working as expected?)

[megannell]

youtube.com/watch?v=bXHHFmZ...(Not working as expected?)

" Not sure if the link as come through or not... Megan."

[Hidden in reply to megannell]

Thanks Megan. Your vid link led me to look at others, and this one youtube.com/watch?v=vDtOzRm...(Not working as expected?) tells how to clean, store etc. It said don't leave capsules open to air or keep in handihaler. OOPS. I empty out 7 caps into day named boxes so I wont forget if I had one or not, and after having one, I put tomorrows into the handihaler ready. Now I know what Im doing wrong it can be corrected. Oh and it said don't touch eyes after using either. Learned a lot now. Thanks/

Carole

[katieoxo60]

Hi lloegr, I take Spirava but I am dispensed with an inhaler every month so I just rotate them and throw the old one away. Most drs do not dispense them with a new inhaler each month so you need to discuss it with your GP. Mine is what the hospital prescribed on repeat prescription. As you can see from the site most people have them replaced every twelve months.

[Hidden]

I use Spiriva Respimat and it's a new one every month when the 60 doses are dispensed. It's the only one of my inhalers that I know when it's finished, unlike Symbicort which drives me crazy. When the respimat is finished you can't twist the canister any more and no guessing games are required.

[Bevvy]

I also am lucky enough to get a new inhaler every month. I know it costs more to the NHS but at least I am aware that getting full dose each time. I would have thought should be changed at least every year or twice a year

[Hidden]

Thankyou to all responders, have learned more new and helpful stuff.

Carole

[Hidden]

Thankyou to all responders, have learned more new and helpful stuff.

Carole

[megannell]

" Carole.Thank you for sending me the link to the spiriva video..WOW! yes i too learnt a lot from watching it.. thanks so much..hoping that your doing okay...Megan."

[Tetrazzini]

I have used the Spiriva HandiHaler once daily for about four years and it still works fine.

[yorklass]

I thought mine had stopped working(about 7 months old) when it became 'quiet' so ordered a new one and 'hey presto' the old one got noisy again, so using again but have now got a nice shiny spare one just in case

[stillmovin in reply to yorklass]

yorklass - this is what happened to me not long after being prescribed a Spiriva handihaler. I still find it a bit 'temperamental' and I know I am doing all the right things! Still, I have a replacement one should the original one clap out.. It shouldn't be so awkward though, should it! stillmovin1 xx

[Nanny1086]

I get a new one with every prescription, I have now asked them to supply one with every 3rd prescription, I don't personally think it nesasary to have a new one every time,

[David123456]

Once a year

[vickyup2013]

I think its every six months as the needle gets blunt on them

[CornishBrian]

When did you last wash and sanitize it? If you use sanitizer or cloths, they cannot penetrate the small holes inside or in the gauze. the answer is to was it too. Boil water, add miltons or something, open the device and immerse it in the water. Let it cool, shake off excess water and leave it to drain dry...DO NOT wipe it. Important to do it once a week but daily if you have an infection otherwise you just re-infect yourself. If you want one on stand bye, ask your chemist for a starter pack when you collect your next prescription and then you will have one to alternate with.

[Hidden in reply to CornishBrian]

Thankyou, that's good info to know. Appreciate it and all replies

Carole

[snow54flake]

Once a year Marian xx