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Using Advair and Serevent Inhalers to Treat Asthma

What Is a Dry Powder Diskus Inhaler?

Some asthma medications can be taken in the form of a dry powder using a small, hand-held device called a dry powder inhaler, or DPI. Dry powder inhalers deliver medication to the lungs as you inhale through the device. They do not contain propellants or any other ingredients -- only the medication.

The Diskus inhaler contains 60 doses of one of the following medications: the long-acting beta2-agonist, Serevent, or a combination of Flovent and Serevent called Advair. Both medications are used to control asthma and cannot be used to treat an acute asthma attack.

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How Do I Use my Diskus Inhaler for Asthma?

Hold the Diskus in your left hand. Be sure that the dose indicator window has a number in it.
Place the thumb of your right hand in the thumbgrip.
Push your thumb as far away from you as it will go until you hear a click. The inhaler is now ready for use. As you use each dose, you will see the dose counter decrease by one.
Keep the Diskus level. Lift the back of the lid as far as it will go until it is upright. This will make a dose of medication ready to use.
Turn your head away from the Diskus and breathe out as much air as you comfortably can.
Place the Diskus mouthpiece in your mouth; breathe in steadily and as deeply as you can. Be sure to keep the Diskus level.
Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds.
Remove the Diskus from your mouth and exhale slowly.
Close the Diskus by placing your thumb in the thumbgrip and sliding the thumbgrip back toward you as far as it will go. The Diskus will click shut. This action resets the inhaler so it is ready to use for the next treatment.
If more than one dose is prescribed, repeat these steps for each dose.

How Do I Care for my Diskus Inhaler?

Keep your inhaler in a dry place at room temperature.
Never place the inhaler in water.
Never wash the mouthpiece of the inhaler in water.
Never shake or breathe into the inhaler.
Never use a spacer device with your inhaler.

What Are Some Other Tips About my Diskus Inhaler?

Unlike other inhaled drugs, you may not taste, smell, or feel the medication delivered by the Diskus. This experience may be different from what you are used to. As long as you are following the directions, you will get your full dose of medication.
If you are using the medication Advair, rinse your mouth and gargle after using the Diskus. Do not swallow.
There is a dose indicator that counts down the number of doses as you use them. A full Diskus will have the number 55 in the window. Doses 5 through 0 are in red to alert you to refill your prescription. When "0" appears in the dose indicator, throw away the Diskus and begin a new one.

WebMD Medical Reference

Reviewed by James E. Gerace, MD on February 21, 2010