Fusacomb Easyhaler

What is Fusacomb Easyhaler?

Fusacomb Easyhaler is a combined powder inhaler for asthma. It contains two active ingredients that work together to bring long-term symptom relief. Salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator. Bronchodilators help to keep the airways open in the lungs which makes it easier for air to pass in and out. This effect can last for up to 12 hours.

Fluticasone (a corticosteroid) is the second active ingredient. Corticosteroids reduce swelling and inflammation in the lungs. Fusacomb Easyhaler can also be used for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) to reduce symptoms at a dose of 50/500 micrograms.

You should use your Fusacomb Easyhaler every day to reduce the likelihood of getting asthma symptoms. It can’t be used as a reliever inhaler though, so you should use your ‘rescue’ inhaler if you feel a sudden attack of asthma.

How does it work?

Fluticasone and salmeterol work together to prevent and improve symptoms of asthma as a long-term treatment. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator which works for up to 12 hours, relaxing muscles in the airways. This allows air to pass through your lungs more easily, meaning breathing is less restricted over time. Fluticasone, on the other hand, is a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medicine that reduces swelling and irritation in the airways. Together, they reduce symptoms, decrease the risk of an asthma attack and help you breathe better over time.

What doses does Fusacomb Easyhaler come in?

Fusacomb Easyhaler comes in two different dosages. The general dose contains 50 micrograms of salmeterol and 250 micrograms of fluticasone. If your asthma is moderate to severe, you will start your treatment on this dose first. The stronger dose contains 50 micrograms of salmeterol and 500 micrograms of fluticasone. This dose would be for severe asthma and those suffering from COPD.

Speak to a clinician before altering your dose. The lower dose should be enough to help your symptoms, but if you’re still struggling your dose may be increased (or a different inhaler might be suggested). You’ll usually take one puff, twice a day. This might be reduced to once a day if your symptoms improve.

How to use Fusacomb Easyhaler

Depending on your dose, you should replace your inhaler after one month (50/250) or after two months (50/500).

To use your inhaler:

• remove the dust cap
• shake the inhaler three to five times
• hold the inhaler between your forefinger and thumb
• press down until you hear a click and release and it will click again
• breathe out normally
• place the mouthpiece in your mouth
• take a strong, deep breath in
• take the inhaler out of your mouth and hold your breath for at least five seconds then breathe out normally
• put the dust cap back on
• after taking the dose, rinse your mouth out with water or brush your teeth.

To recap

1. Shake – 2. Click – 3. Inhale.

The dose counter shows the number of remaining doses. It’ll turn after every fifth click. When the counter is red that means there are less than 20 doses left, so you should check you’ll have your next delivery in time.

What if I make a mistake with using Fusacomb Easyhaler?

If you are using Fusacomb Easyhaler, our clinicians will regularly check in on you so it’s important to use it as instructed. This means not stopping unless your doctor tells you to. Tell your doctor straight away if you find yourself using your ‘reliever’ inhaler more but keep using the Fusacomb Easyhaler.

If you use more than you should, let your clinician know as this may reduce the number of steroid hormones produced by the adrenal gland which may cause symptoms like irregular heartbeat, dizziness, headache, and muscle and joint aches.

If you forget to take your dose, just take it the next time you were supposed to and don’t take a double dose.