Seebri Breezhaler

The Seebri Breezhaler is what is known as a ‘LAMA’, which stands for long acting muscarinic antagonist. It’s an inhaler that comes with inhalable capsules, which are used to treat and ease the symptoms of COPD by relaxing the muscle walls around the airways.

COPD isn’t a specific condition, but rather a blanket term that’s used to describe several different chronic conditions which affect the lungs and the airways – which inhibit breathing as a result. Among these conditions includes the likes of bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease.

The Seebri Breezhaler uses a drug called glycopyrronium bromide – an antimuscarinic agent which is effective at opening up your airways. It’s done by blocking the receptors of the cells that are responsible for controlling the contraction of the lungs. As a result, the respiratory system is relaxed and allows for easier breathing. This effect is achieved because when people are suffering with COPD, their symptoms tend to manifest themselves as a phlegmy cough, increased susceptibility to chest infections, wheezing and a shortness of breath. This is because COPD results in an inflammation in the lining of the airways, which causes lasting damage and the development of the above symptoms.

Often these conditions are caused by external factors like smoking. A clinician will recommend that you stop smoking straight away if you develop COPD. This won’t always put an end to the problem, though, because the damage could have already been done – but it will reduce the risk of further infections and other inflammatory, chronic conditions from happening. This is when treatments such as Seebri Breezhaler will be recommended as, if taken every day, they can help you to manage the symptoms of COPD.

Seebri Breezhaler is a capsule, which is delivered through an inhaler device. These capsules come in 44 microgram doses. Usually you’ll be prescribed a dosage of one capsule a day, but this can change depending on what your clinician thinks is needed.

It’s important that you always use the Seebri Breezhaler as you’ve been told to by our clinician. Always double check if you’re not sure of the correct dosage. Usually you’ll need to inhale one capsule a day but, regardless of the amount, taking Seebri Breezhaler is reasonably straightforward:

• Start by opening your pack.
• In this pack you will find an inhaler as well as capsules. Ensure that you are only using the capsules with the inhaler that has come in the pack provided. Don’t try to use them in another inhaler. You should also keep the capsules in their packaging until you need to use them, don’t remove them preemptively.
• Don’t push the capsule through the foil.
• When you start a new pack then you should use the new Seebri Breezhaler inhaler supplied, don’t continue to use your initial inhaler.
• Dispose of every inhaler after you have used all of the capsules contained within a pack.
• Don’t swallow the capsules, always take them with the inhaler.

Using the inhaler is also straightforward:

• Begin by pulling off the cap from the inhaler and opening it.
• Remove a capsule by separating it from one of the blisters and peeling it.
• Insert the capsule into your open inhaler (never put the capsule directly into the mouthpiece of the inhaler).
• Close the inhaler.
• Pierce the capsule once by holding the inhaler upright and pressing firmly on both of the side buttons at the same time (you’ll hear a noise once pierced).
• Release the side buttons.
• Breathe out fully (do not do this into the inhaler).
• Inhale the medicine deeply by placing the mouthpiece into your mouth and closing your lips firmly around it (do not press the side buttons as you do this).
• When you breathe in, do it as quickly and deeply as you can (note that you will hear a whirring noise as you take the medicine, and might even taste it as you inhale).
• Hold your breath for up to five seconds once you have inhaled.
• Check that the capsule is empty and ensure that there is no powder residue left.
• If there’s any powder left, then close the inhaler again and inhale once more until it’s all gone.

Studies have shown that glycopyrronium (the active ingredient in the Seebri Breezhaler) has a faster onset of action than tiotropium and aclidinium (two other commonly used treatments for COPD) ^[1]. As a result, it usually works quickly to help you to breathe more freely, and provides long-acting relief.

If you’re having trouble using your inhaler then you should contact your clinician for help.

If you accidentally take too much, you should seek medical help straight away.

And if you forget a dose then you can take it as soon as you remember. That is unless it’s close to your next dose, in which case just leave the forgotten one. It is important that you do not double up on a dosage to make up for a missed one.