Bricanyl Turbohaler

Bricanyl Turbohaler is a dry powder inhaler containing terbutaline. Terbutaline is a beta 2 agonist much like salbutamol and works by promoting the relaxation of some muscles in the lungs and opening the bronchioles.

Bricanyl is used for the treatment of asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Patients experience attacks of dyspnoea, chest tightness, and cough. This is due to an involuntary tightening of the airways which is usually a response to certain stimuli, such as cold air, smoke, straining, or exposure to allergy-causing substances.

Terbutaline reduces symptoms by relaxing and re-opening the airways with its effects noticeable within minutes.

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.

1. Unscrew the cover and remove it. You will hear a sound when unscrewing.

2. Hold the turbohaler upright with the blue rotating base at the bottom.

3. Charge your Bricanyl Turbohaler inhaler with one dose by turning the blue rotary base on a towards the limit. Then turn the base in the opposite direction as far as it will go. You should hear a click. Your Turbohaler is now loaded and ready to use.

4. Hold your  inhaler away from your mouth. Exhale gently

5. Place the nozzle carefully between the teeth. Clench your lips. Breathe in strongly and deeply through the mouth. Do not chew or bite the mouthpiece.

6. Remove your inhaler from your mouth. Exhale gently. The amount of medicine that is inhaled is very small. This means that you may not taste dust after inhalation.

7. If you need to take a second inhalation, repeat steps 2 to 6.

8. Replace the cover

9. Whenever possible, rinse with water after each inhalation to remove any medicine that has been left in your mouth.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Important Bricanyl side effects to consider:

• Allergic reactions. Signs may include swelling of the face, skin rash, problems with respiratory problems, low blood pressure (feeling faint), and collapse. It is unknown how often these effects occur.

• Sudden wheezing immediately after inhaling your dose of Bricanyl Turbohaler.

It is not known how often this effect occurs. If this happens to you, stop using the Bricanyl Turbohaler and see a doctor immediately. Other possible side effects:

Very common (affects more than 1 in 10 people):

• Shivering or chills.

• Common (affects less than 1 in 10 people):

• Fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations).

• Muscle cramps or feeling of tension.

• Low potassium levels in your blood, can cause muscle weakness, thirst, or stinging and tingling sensation.