Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Read the patient instructions for directions on how to use this inhaler properly. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Follow the instructions for priming the inhaler if you are using it for the first time, if you have not used it for a long time (depending on your product, for more than 1 week or 4 weeks), or if you dropped the inhaler. When priming the inhaler, make sure to spray away from the face so that you do not get the medication into your eyes.
Shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds before each use. Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (in the morning and evening, 12 hours apart).
Gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each use of this medication to help prevent irritation and yeast infections (thrush) in the mouth and throat. Do not swallow the rinse water.
Clean the inhaler at least once a week as directed in the Medication Guide.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best if used at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose, use this medication more frequently, or stop using it without first consulting your doctor. Also, do not use other long-acting beta agonists while using this medication.
If you have been using a quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol, also called salbutamol in some countries) on a regular daily schedule (such as 4 times daily), you must stop this schedule and only use the quick-relief inhaler as needed for sudden shortness of breath/asthma attacks. Consult your doctor for details.
If you are regularly using a different corticosteroid taken by mouth (such as prednisone), you should not stop using it unless directed by your doctor. You may have withdrawal symptoms if the drug is suddenly stopped. Some conditions (such as asthma, allergies) may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. To prevent withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness), your doctor may direct you to slowly lower the dose of your old medication after you begin using this product. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately. See also Precautions section.
It may take 1 week or longer before you get the full benefit of this drug. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens. Ask your doctor what to do if you have worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, worsening peak flow meter readings, increased use of your quick-relief inhaler, or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can self-medicate and when you should get medical help right away.