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How to use your
new inhaler

After you see how ATROVENT HFA can fit into your schedule with the Puffagins, see how to use the ATROVENT HFA inhaler.

 
 

Using ATROVENT HFA in 5 main steps

ATROVENT HFA should be "primed" 2 times before you use the first dose of a new ATROVENT HFA inhaler or when the inhaler has not been used for more than 3 days.

To prime the inhaler, push the canister against the mouthpiece to allow the medicine to spray into the air, away from the face. Do not spray the medicine into your eyes while priming ATROVENT HFA.

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INSERT

the metal canister into the clear end of the mouthpiece.

  • Make sure the canister is fully and firmly inserted into the mouthpiece
  • The ATROVENT HFA canister is to be used only with the ATROVENT HFA mouthpiece
  • Do not use the ATROVENT HFA mouthpiece with other inhaled medicines
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REMOVE

the green protective dust cap.

  • If the cap is not on the mouthpiece, make sure there is nothing in the mouthpiece before use

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EXHALE

(breathe out) deeply through your mouth.

Exhale Diagram

  • Hold the inhaler upright, between your thumb and first 2 fingers. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips

  • Keep your eyes closed so that no medicine will be sprayed into your eyes. If sprayed into the eyes, ATROVENT HFA can cause blurry vision and other vision abnormalities, eye pain or discomfort, dilated pupils, or narrow-angle glaucoma or worsening of this condition. If any combination of these symptoms develops, you should consult your physician immediately

 

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INHALE

(breathe in) one puff.

Inhale Diagram

  • Slowly breathe in through your mouth and at the same time spray ATROVENT HFA into your mouth

  • To spray ATROVENT HFA, firmly press the canister against the mouthpiece 1 time. Keep breathing in deeply

 

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HOLD

your breath for 10 seconds and then take the mouthpiece out of your mouth and breathe out slowly.

Hold Breath

  • Wait at least 15 seconds and repeat Steps 3, 4, and 5 for your second puff

 

For an easy-to-use reminder about how to use ATROVENT HFA, download a handy guide.

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Celebrity Chef Puffagin Hero

Get to know your new inhaler

DON’T RUN OUT OF ATROVENT HFA!

Inhaler Overview,40 Actuations Remaining,0 Actuations Remaining

 

There are about 40 puffs (actuations) left when the dose indicator displays “40”. The background also changes from green to red.

When this happens, be sure to refill your prescription or ask your doctor if you need another prescription for ATROVENT HFA.

At “20”, the background color will be all red. The indicator will stop moving at “0”. Discard the inhaler once the dose indicator displays “0”.

QUICK TIPS FOR YOUR ATROVENT HFA INHALER

  • You don’t need to shake the inhaler

  • Prime the inhaler 2 times before you use a new inhaler for the first time, or if the inhaler hasn’t been used for more than 3 days

  • Don’t spray the medicine into your eyes

  • Remember to replace the green protective dust cap after each use

  • Keep the mouthpiece clean, wash it at least once a week (see Mouthpiece Cleaning Instructions in the Instructions for Use included in the Prescribing Information)

For complete information on using ATROVENT HFA, please see the Instructions for Use included in the Prescribing Information.

 

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Puffs not doing enough? Time to talk to your doctor

TO KEEP YOUR AIRWAYS OPEN, IT'S IMPORTANT TO KEEP AN OPEN CONVERSATION ABOUT HOW YOU'RE BREATHING.

 

The usual starting dose of ATROVENT HFA—2 puffs, 4 times a day—may not be enough. If you're not breathing better, you should talk to your doctor. Remember: your doctor can prescribe additional puffs, but you should not take more than 6 doses (12 puffs) in 24 hours.

Select the questions you might want to ask you doctor:

 

 

 

 

 

When you're ready, download or print your questions to share with your doctor.

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Plan your Puffs!

INDICATION FOR USE

ATROVENT HFA (ipratropium bromide HFA) Inhalation Aerosol is a prescription maintenance treatment for bronchospasm (airway narrowing) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not use ATROVENT HFA (ipratropium bromide HFA) if you are allergic to ipratropium or any of the ingredients in ATROVENT HFA or to atropine or similar drugs.

ATROVENT HFA is not a rescue medicine and should not be used for treating sudden breathing problems. Your doctor may give you other medicine to use for sudden breathing problems.

Allergic reactions may occur, including itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (involving difficulty in breathing or swallowing), rash, hives, bronchospasm (airway narrowing), or anaphylaxis. Some of these may be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking ATROVENT HFA at once and call your doctor or get emergency help.

ATROVENT HFA can cause the narrowing of the airways to get worse (paradoxical bronchospasm) which may be life threatening. If this happens, stop taking ATROVENT HFA at once and call your doctor or get emergency help.

ATROVENT HFA may increase eye pressure which may cause or worsen some types of glaucoma.

Do not get the spray into your eyes. The spray may cause eye pain or discomfort, blurred vision, enlarged pupils, seeing halos or colored images along with red eyes. If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking ATROVENT HFA and call your doctor right away.

Dizziness and blurred vision may occur with ATROVENT HFA. Should you experience these symptoms, use caution when engaging in activities such as driving a car or operating appliances or machinery.

ATROVENT HFA may cause difficulty with urination. Symptoms may include difficulty passing urine and/or painful urination. If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking ATROVENT HFA and call your doctor right away.

The most common side effects reported with use of ATROVENT HFA were bronchitis, COPD flare‑up (exacerbation), shortness of breath and headache.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including eye drops. Ask your doctor if you are taking any anticholinergic medicines because taking them together with ATROVENT HFA can increase side effects.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1‑800‑FDA‑1088.

Please see full Prescribing Information including Instructions for Use.

The information provided on this site is for general information and educational purposes only. You should always consult a doctor for diagnosing and treating a health or fitness problem, and before using any drug product discussed on this site.