Bricanyl Turbohaler

What are Bricanyl Turbohalers?

Bricanyl Turbohalers are a brand of rescue or reliever inhaler from the British-Swedish pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca.

Reliever inhalers are used to treat coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. These symptoms can be brought on by conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The most prevalent of these conditions is called asthma, which affects approximately 4.3 million adults in the UK.

Asthma is a chronic condition which causes recurring episodes of bronchospasm, commonly known as an asthma attack.

An asthma attack is a sudden deterioration of asthma symptoms. They can be life-threatening and may require emergency medical attention.

There are several triggers that can cause an asthma attack to develop, including allergens such as dust, mould, animal dander, and pollen, as well as infections like the common cold and influenza, as well as cardio exercise and strong emotional displays, such as laughing or crying.

Symptoms of an asthma attack include:

• Blueish colouration to the lips (Cyanosis)
• Chest tightness
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Lower than normal peak flow score
• Rapid breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

The symptoms are caused by a constriction of the muscles around the airways, which restricts the amount of air flowing through the airways to your lungs. If left untreated, the condition can become fatal.

How does the Bricanyl Turbohaler work?

Terbutaline - the active ingredient in Bricanyl Turbohalers - is known as a short-acting beta-2 agonist.

It works by stimulating the beta 2 receptors in the airway muscles, causing the airways to relax and thereby improving airflow.

Bricanyl Turbohaler takes effect within 5 minutes of inhalation and can provide temporary relief for up to 7 hours.

How to use the Bricanyl Turbohaler?

Always follow the instructions provided by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended prescribed dose.

Before using your Bricanyl Turbohaler for the first time:

1. Unscrew the cover and lift it off. You may hear a rattling sound.
2. Holding your Bricanyl Turbohaler upright, so that the blue grip is at the bottom, turn the grip as far as it will go in both directions. You should hear a click. It does not matter which way you turn it first.
3. Do this again, turning the blue grip in both directions.
4. Your Bricanyl Turbohaler is ready to use.

To use your Bricanyl Turbohaler:

1. Unscrew the cover and lift it off. You may hear a rattling sound.
2. Holding your Turbohaler upright, with the blue grip at the bottom, turn the grip as far as it will go in both directions. You should hear a click.
3. Holding your Turbohaler away from your mouth, breathe out gently. Do not breathe out through your Turbohaler.
4. Place the mouthpiece between your teeth, closing your lips around it. Breathe in as hard as you can through your mouth. Do not bite or chew the mouthpiece.
5. Remove the Turbohaler from your mouth and breathe out gently. You may not be able to taste the medication after inhalation. If you followed the instructions correctly, you can be confident that you have inhaled the dose and the medicine is now in your lungs.
6. If you are to take a second inhalation, repeat steps 2 to 5.
7. Screw the cover back over the mouthpiece, ensuring it fits tightly.
8. Rinse your mouth with water each time after taking your dose to remove any remaining medicine.

You may need to consult with your doctor or asthma nurse to ensure you are using the correct inhalation technique.

What should I do if I use more Bricanyl than I should?

If you use more Bricanyl than you should, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist for advice.

Side effects and cautions of Bricanyl

Before using your Bricanyl Turbohaler, it's essential to read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

Alternatively, you can view the patient information leaflet for Bricanyl Turbohaler online.

If you have any doubts or concerns about any of the information contained in the patient information leaflet, discuss them with your doctor or a pharmacist.

Who should not use Bricanyl Turbohalers?

Bricanyl Turbohalers are not suitable for everyone.

Before taking any medication, it is essential to consult your doctor to ensure the medication is safe for you.

Speak to your doctor before taking Bricanyl Turbohaler if you have:

• diabetes (You may need more blood sugar tests when you start using Bricanyl Turbohaler)
• a history of cardiovascular issues such as heart disease, irregular heart rhythm or angina
• an overactive thyroid

Bricanyl can interfere with some medicines. It's important that, during your consultation, you inform our doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking, including those prescribed by your GP, bought over-the-counter from your pharmacy, as well as health and herbal supplements.

It is especially important to speak to your doctor or a pharmacist before taking Bricanyl Turbohaler if you are taking:

• steroid medicines (such as prednisolone)
• medicines known as Xanthines (such as theophylline)
• beta-blockers (such as atenolol or propranolol), including eye drops (such as timolol)
• diuretics (furosemide/frusemide).

If you are unsure whether Bricanyl Turbohaler is suitable for you, consult your doctor or ask a pharmacist for advice.

Bricanyl side effects

All medications carry the risk of side effects, though not everyone will experience them. It is important to be aware of the side effects associated with your medication.

Common side effects of Bricanyl include:

• Cramp
• Headache
• Increased heart rate (Tachycardia)
• Low potassium levels in the blood
• Palpitations
• Shaking
• Tense feeling

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of Bricanyl Turbohalers can be found within the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

If you experience any side effects, whether listed above or in the patient information leaflet, please inform your doctor as soon as possible.

Allergies

Do not take Bricanyl if you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Chest tightness
• Dry, red and cracked skin
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before taking Bricanyl.

If you become pregnant while taking Bricanyl Turbohaler, inform your doctor straight away.

Other safety information

Always read the patient information enclosed with your Bricanyl Turbohaler before you start using it.

Inform our online prescribers of all the medicines you are currently taking, including those prescribed to you, or bought over the counter, as well as any health or herbal supplements.

Do not use Bricanyl Turbohaler past the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Never dispose of medication via household or water waste, as this can harm the environment. Take any unwanted or expired medication to your local pharmacy and ask them to dispose of it safely on your behalf.

Always store your Bricanyl Turbohaler out of sight and out of reach of children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anybody else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms or have been diagnosed with the same condition as you.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Bricanyl while pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor for advice before using Bricanyl Turbohaler.

Will Bricanyl affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Bricanyl Turbohalers are unlikely to impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. If you notice any side effects which may impact your concentration, such as blurred vision, dizziness, light-headedness or drowsiness, refrain from driving or operating machinery until it is safe to do so.

Can I use Bricanyl Turbohalers with other inhalers?

Yes, you can use Bricanyl Turbohalers with preventer inhalers. Your doctor should prescribe both medications before ordering them online.

When should I use Bricanyl Turbohalers?

You should use Bricanyl Turbohalers to relieve the symptoms of an asthma attack. It is not as effective as a preventive inhaler.

Does Bricanyl contain steroids?

No, Bricanyl does not contain steroids.

Can I use Bricanyl Turbohaler with a spacer?

No, you cannot use Bricanyl Turbohaler or other dry powder inhalers with spacer devices.

Spacer devices, such as the AeroChamber or Volumatic, are only compatible with specific aerosol inhalers. If you are unsure whether you can use a spacer with your inhaler, speak to your doctor or asthma nurse.

Where can I buy Bricanyl Turbohalers online?

Picking up your prescription for Bricanyl can be time-consuming and inconvenient. With Prescription Doctor's online pharmacy, you can order Bricanyl Turbohalers from the comfort of your phone or computer.

Complete our online questionnaire, and one of our doctors will review it. Our clinicians will review your order to ensure it is safe for you.

If our doctor approves your order, our UK-based GPhC-registered pharmacy will dispense and dispatch your item.

We offer next-day delivery on orders approved by our clinicians before 3pm on weekdays. Our delivery service is discreet and confidential.

Additional resources

What to do after an asthma attack?

How to stay active with asthma?