using Symbicort inhaler

[alchemilla12]

Hi

just wondering if it matters whether you get the " click " on the first or second twist of the inhaler? Not really sure why one has to twist twice -presumably the click activates the counter but does the other one open the inhaler or is it all irrelevant!Im only asking because previous inhalers had the click on the second twist which seemed to be more psychologically reassuring whereas this one the click comes first and then I twist the second time to no sound

[2greys]

The Turbohaler (the plastic device) requires a twist one way then the other way. It is a ratchet system, one twist engages the next 'pull', then the other twist delivers the dose ready to be inhaled. It really does not matter which comes first. You should always do a double twist twice on a new inhaler before sucking on it. The click noise is just the ratchet engaging.

[alchemilla12 in reply to 2greys]

Hithanks for replying -yes I understand about the 2 ways but just wondered if it mattered if the click sound( which only happens on one of the 2 turns )came first.

[2greys in reply to alchemilla12]

It does not matter which twist is first. I use the same turbohaler device with my Bricanyl.

[alchemilla12 in reply to 2greys]

thanks!

[LoncinLad in reply to alchemilla12]

Hello alchemilla12. My understanding is, as 2greys has pointed out, it dosen't really matter either way, but like you I find it reassuring when the click comes after the 2nd twist.

[alchemilla12 in reply to LoncinLad]

yes it's weird isnt it to feel more reassured like that!! glad Im not the only one then

[O2Trees]

Interesting. I have always found the instructions about the double turns needed before you can use a new Symbicort inhaler. It seems ambiguous as to whether you do one or two double turns. I took it into the pharmacists to ask their opinion and after reading the patient info leaflet they too had no idea.

I have ended up just doing one double turn. I have never suffered later or the next day as I do if I forget to take one, so assume that one double turn is ok.

Alchemilla, if you dont like the click coming on the first turn, then just do three turns, then after that the click will be on the last turn. It's the click that does the business so as long as you dont have two clicks, then you're ok. That will solve your problem.

[alchemilla12 in reply to O2Trees]

thanks O2Trees -it's funny how one needs the psychological trigger ! I was never sure whether one of the turns was actually opening the inhaler and the click was the counter or not but it would seem not related at all!

[rf4c]

Yes, you must get a single click to release a measured dose of the medication. Don't click twice, it's just a waste. One thing though, when you first open a new inhaler, the first use involves three twists of the red part. Don't know why, but there it is!! All the best!

[alchemilla12 in reply to rf4c]

oh I thought it was 4 twists the first time -ie you go through the double twist twice ?asthma.org.uk/advice/inhale...

[rf4c in reply to alchemilla12]

I don't think so. The way I was shown was to remove the plastic seal on the bottom and then twist (you get no click on the first), click a second time and then you get the click on the third twist. From there on it's only two clicks. The little counter window on the side will how you.

[alchemilla12 in reply to rf4c]

but the whole point of my post was I got a click on the first twist!! the asthma video definitely states you do 2 twists twice but hey ho whatever