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Most dry powder inhalers contain rather large amounts of lactose, an ingredient that has a sweet taste. Turbuhaler, on the other hand, does not contain lactose, or contains only very small amounts. Turbuhaler is also very effective in transporting the drug to the lungs, so that less drug is deposited in the mouth. This means that you may not be able to taste the medication when inhaling.
Turbuhaler is very reliable, and if used correctly you will receive the correct dose. However, to make sure you really are receiving a dose, hold a piece of dark cloth over the mouthpiece of the Turbuhaler and inhale through it. If your Turbuhaler is working correctly, you will see white powder deposited on the fabric. Don’t forget that doing this test means you won’t be receiving any drug in that inhalation, so it is important that you inhale a dose as normal afterwards!
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As with all inhaled corticosteroids, there is a slight risk of fungal infection (oral thrush) in the mouth when using medications containing budesonide, such as Symbicort and Pulmicort. Although this infection affects only a very small number of people, it is a good idea to routinely rinse your mouth after inhalation. However, if rinsing is inconvenient for some reason (eg if you are travelling), don’t worry – this won’t be a problem as the risk is very small indeed.
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How loudly the Turbuhaler clicks doesn’t matter – as long as you can hear a clicking sound when twisting the base, however soft, your Turbuhaler is working correctly. See question 1 for advice on how to check that your Turbuhaler is delivering medication correctly.
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Yes, to take a dose, twist the base of the Turbuhaler once in each direction before inhaling – it doesn’t matter which way you turn first.
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No, the mouthpiece turns automatically when the cap is put on and off. You should not twist the mouthpiece, although no harm is done if you do so.
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The mouthpiece has a built-in cleaning function, which is activated automatically when the Turbuhaler cap is put on and off. You should not twist the mouthpiece but should you do so accidentally it will do no harm. Since the mouthpiece is easily twisted, do not hold Turbuhaler by the mouthpiece when you are loading the dose.
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No, first twist the base once in each direction so that you hear a clicking sound, then place the mouthpiece between your lips and inhale. It is important to hold the Turbuhaler upright while twisting the base. Refer to the information leaflet that came with your Turbuhaler for full instructions on how to use the Turbuhaler correctly.
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There is no risk of getting a double dose with Turbuhaler – even if you don’t inhale between two or more clicks, you will never get more than one dose. If a dose is not used it will automatically return to the drug reservoir.
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To load Turbuhaler with a dose of medication ready for inhaling, turn the base as far as it will go first in one direction, then the other – it doesn’t matter which way you turn first!
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The dose indicator moves only very slightly for each dose inhaled. You need to use the Turbuhaler for at least five inhalations before you can judge the movement. If the position of the dose indicator is unchanged after at least five inhalations, consult your pharmacist if you are concerned your Turbuhaler may be faulty.
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Your Turbuhaler is empty when the number 0 appears in the dose indicator window.
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The position of the dose indicator that you describe indicates that there are approximately 20 doses left in the Turbuhaler. This means you should obtain a new prescription from your doctor or asthma nurse.
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The position of the dose indicator described indicates that there are approximately 20 doses left in the Turbuhaler. This means you should obtain a new prescription from your doctor or asthma nurse.
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The Turbuhaler is empty when the number 0 appears in the dose indicator window.
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When the Turbuhaler is empty it can be disposed of as regular household waste. Ask your pharmacist what to do with any Symbicort Turbuhaler you have left over if your doctor tells you to stop taking it, or you find that the expiry date has passed.