A Comprehensive Patient Guide: How to use a Seebri Breezhaler?

Projections for 2025 estimate that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) will cause over 456 million exacerbations globally, making effective medication delivery critical [1.8.2]. Understanding how to use a Seebri Breezhaler properly is key to managing COPD symptoms and maintaining lung function.

Quick Summary

A detailed reference on the proper administration of the Seebri Breezhaler for COPD maintenance. Covers step-by-step usage, device care, side effects, and key patient information for optimal treatment.

Key Points

• Preparation is Key: Always remove the cap, tilt the mouthpiece open, and only then place a single capsule from the blister pack into the chamber [1.2.1].

• Pierce Once: Hold the inhaler upright and press both side buttons firmly at the same time just once to pierce the capsule [1.2.5].

• Inhale Rapidly & Deeply: A rapid, deep breath is required to make the capsule vibrate, which disperses the medication. You should hear a whirring sound [1.2.1].

• Two Inhalations Per Capsule: You must inhale twice from each capsule to get the full daily dose of medicine [1.2.4].

• Check for Powder: After your inhalations, open the device to ensure the capsule is empty. If powder remains, inhale again [1.2.6].

• Dry Cleaning Only: Never wash the Breezhaler device with water. Wipe the mouthpiece with a clean, dry cloth [1.6.1, 1.6.3].

• Proper Storage: Keep capsules in their sealed blister pack until use to protect them from moisture and light [1.3.1].

Understanding Your Seebri Breezhaler

Seebri Breezhaler is a prescription medication for the long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [1.3.3, 1.4.5]. It is not intended for the relief of acute breathing problems. The active ingredient, glycopyrronium bromide, is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) [1.4.1]. It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways in the lungs, which helps to open them up and make breathing easier [1.4.6]. The medication comes as a dry powder in capsules, which are administered using the Breezhaler device [1.3.3]. It is crucial to use the device correctly to ensure the full dose is inhaled into the lungs.

How to Use a Seebri Breezhaler: Step-by-Step Instructions

Proper technique is essential for the medication to be effective. Follow these steps each time you use your inhaler. You will need to inhale twice from the same capsule to get your full daily dose [1.2.4].

1. Preparation: Pull off the cap. Hold the base of the inhaler firmly and tilt the mouthpiece to open it [1.2.1].
2. Load the Capsule: Separate one blister from the card. Peel back the foil to expose one capsule; do not push the capsule through the foil [1.3.6]. The capsules should only be removed immediately before use and handled with dry hands [1.3.6]. Place the capsule into the capsule-shaped chamber in the base of the inhaler [1.2.3]. Do not place the capsule in the mouthpiece.
3. Close the Inhaler: Close the mouthpiece until you hear a 'click' [1.2.3]. This indicates the device is ready.
4. Pierce the Capsule: Hold the inhaler upright. Firmly press both buttons on the side of the device at the same time and then release them fully [1.2.5]. You should hear a click as the capsule is pierced. Only press these buttons once [1.3.1].
5. Exhale Fully: Before placing the inhaler in your mouth, breathe out completely, away from the device [1.2.1]. Do not blow into the inhaler.
6. First Inhalation: Place the mouthpiece between your teeth without biting and close your lips to create a tight seal [1.2.1]. Breathe in as rapidly and steadily as you can [1.2.1]. You should hear a whirring or vibrating sound as the capsule spins and the medication is dispersed [1.2.2, 1.2.4].
7. Hold Your Breath: After inhaling, remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for at least 5 to 10 seconds, or for as long as is comfortable [1.2.1, 1.2.3]. Then, breathe out gently.
8. Second Inhalation: To ensure you receive the full dose, repeat steps 5 through 7 from the same capsule [1.2.4]. You do not need to pierce the capsule again.
9. Check and Dispose: Open the mouthpiece again and check the capsule. If there is still powder inside, close the device and repeat the inhalation steps again [1.2.6, 1.9.5]. Once the capsule is empty, remove it from the chamber and dispose of it in your household waste [1.2.6].
10. Final Steps: Close the inhaler and replace the cap [1.2.3].

Important Safety Information and Potential Side Effects

Before using Seebri, inform your doctor about your full medical history, especially if you have kidney problems, narrow-angle glaucoma, or issues with urination such as urinary retention [1.3.2, 1.5.3].

Common side effects may include:

• Dry mouth [1.5.2]
• Sore throat and nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the nose and throat) [1.5.2]
• Insomnia [1.5.2]
• Musculoskeletal pain [1.5.4]
• Gastroenteritis (diarrhea and vomiting) [1.5.2]

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects like:

• Paradoxical bronchospasm (difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing right after using the inhaler) [1.5.6, 1.9.4]
• Signs of an allergic reaction (rash, hives, swelling of the tongue, lips, or face) [1.5.1]
• New or worsening eye problems like eye pain or blurred vision, which could be signs of narrow-angle glaucoma [1.5.3, 1.9.4]
• New or worsening urinary retention (difficulty or pain when urinating) [1.5.1, 1.9.4]

Device Care and Troubleshooting

• Cleaning: Never wash your Breezhaler with water [1.6.1]. You should wipe the mouthpiece, inside and out, with a clean, dry, and lint-free cloth to remove any powder residue [1.2.6, 1.6.4]. A new inhaler device is typically provided with each prescription refill [1.2.4].
• Storage: Always store the capsules in the original blister pack to protect them from moisture and light [1.2.6, 1.3.1]. Do not store capsules in the inhaler device [1.2.5].
• Troubleshooting:
  • No Whirring Sound: If you don't hear a whirring noise during inhalation, the capsule may be stuck. Tap the base of the inhaler to loosen it and try inhaling again [1.2.6, 1.9.5].
  • Powder Left in Capsule: If powder remains after two inhalations, you have not received the full dose. Repeat the inhalation steps until the capsule is empty [1.2.6, 1.9.5].
  • Coughing: Some people may cough briefly after inhaling. As long as the capsule is empty, you have received the correct dose [1.9.5].

Comparison with Other COPD Inhalers

Seebri is one of several types of inhalers used for COPD. Understanding the differences can be helpful.

Feature	Seebri Breezhaler	Spiriva (HandiHaler/Respimat)	Anoro Ellipta
Active Ingredient(s)	Glycopyrronium [1.3.3]	Tiotropium	Umeclidinium / Vilanterol [1.7.3]
Drug Class	LAMA (Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonist) [1.4.5]	LAMA	LAMA + LABA (Long-Acting Beta-Agonist) [1.7.3]
Mechanism	Relaxes airway muscles by blocking muscarinic receptors [1.4.6].	Relaxes airway muscles by blocking muscarinic receptors.	Combines two bronchodilators to relax airway muscles and keep airways open [1.7.3].
Administration	One capsule inhaled once daily (requires two puffs from one capsule) [1.3.3, 1.2.4].	Once daily (HandiHaler is a capsule, Respimat is a soft mist inhaler).	One inhalation once daily [1.7.5].
Device Type	Dry Powder Inhaler (Capsule-based) [1.4.5]	Dry Powder or Soft Mist Inhaler	Dry Powder Inhaler (Pre-loaded)

Conclusion

Mastering the use of your Seebri Breezhaler is a critical step in managing your COPD effectively. By following the correct inhalation technique, you ensure that the glycopyrronium medication reaches your lungs where it can work to relax your airways and improve your breathing for a full 24 hours. Always adhere to your doctor's prescription and discuss any side effects or concerns you may have. Proper use, care, and storage of your device will help you get the most benefit from your maintenance therapy.

For more visual guidance, you can refer to resources like the National Asthma Council of Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Seebri Breezhaler used for?

Seebri Breezhaler is a once-daily maintenance treatment used to relieve the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults, such as difficulty breathing [1.3.3]. It is not a rescue inhaler for sudden breathing problems.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Seebri Breezhaler?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take two doses at once [1.3.4].

Can I swallow the Seebri capsules?

No, the capsules must not be swallowed [1.3.1]. They are designed to be used only with the Breezhaler inhaler device so you can inhale the powder.

Why do I need to inhale twice from one capsule?

Inhaling twice from the same capsule is necessary to ensure you receive the full dose of medication from the dry powder capsule [1.2.4].

What does it mean if I don't hear a whirring sound when I inhale?

If you don't hear a whirring sound, the capsule may be stuck. You can try to loosen it by tapping the base of the inhaler and then trying to inhale again [1.2.6, 1.9.5].

How do I clean my Seebri Breezhaler?

You should never wash the inhaler with water. To clean it, wipe the mouthpiece on the inside and outside with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth to remove powder residue [1.6.1, 1.6.4].

What are the most common side effects of Seebri Breezhaler?

The most common side effects include dry mouth, inflammation of the nose and throat (nasopharyngitis), difficulty sleeping (insomnia), muscle and bone pain, and gastroenteritis (diarrhea and vomiting) [1.5.2].

Can I use the Seebri capsules with a different inhaler?

No, you must only use the Seebri Breezhaler capsules with the Seebri Breezhaler inhaler. Likewise, do not use the inhaler for any other type of capsule medicine [1.3.1].