Using the Ellipta™

Many medications are available as inhaled treatments. Inhaled methods deliver medication directly to the airway, which is helpful for lung diseases. The patient and health care provider can choose from a variety of delivery systems for inhaling medication.

The Ellipta consists of a plastic device containing powdered medication. The Ellipta is breath activated. This means when you inhale, the Ellipta automatically releases the medication. When inhaled correctly, the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways. This increases the medication's effectiveness. The portable size, efficiency and convenience make the Ellipta a desirable method for inhalation treatment.

The following steps outline the best method to use the Ellipta.

Transcript

The Ellipta is a breath-activated device, which means that the medication is released when you inhale.

Before you use the Ellipta for the very first time, take the device out of the foil tray, throw away the desiccant packet which just uses moisture in the tray. Write the date that you opened the tray and the discard date on the Ellipta. This is 6 weeks from the date you opened the tray. Wait to open the cover until you’re ready to take your dose.

To use the Ellipta, hold it in 1 hand. Slide the cover down with the other hand until the Ellipta clicks. This will open the Ellipta so you can see the mouthpiece. This will also load the medicine. Your inhaler is now ready to use.

Hold the Ellipta level and away from your mouth and gently breathe out. Never exhale directly into the Ellipta. Seal your lips tightly around the mouthpiece and breathe in rapidly and deeply. Continue to take in a full breath. Do not block the air vents with your fingers. Remove the Ellipta from your mouth and hold your breath for as long as you can, up to 10 seconds. Let me show you what that looks like.

You will hear the cover click when you close the device. The mouthpiece will be hidden by the cover when it’s closed. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to rinse your mouth after taking the medicine.

The Ellipta has a dose counter on the side. This will let you know how many doses are left. As you use the device, you will notice that the numbers decrease by one. The Ellipta will count down to 0 when it is empty.

To clean the Ellipta, do not put it in water. Simply wipe the mouthpiece with a clean cloth when it appears dirty or at least every week. And then be sure to close the Ellipta after each use to help it stay clean.

Before Using a New Ellipta

Take the Elllipta out of the foil tray. Throw away the desiccant packet used to reduce moisture in the tray.
Write the tray opened and discard dates on the inhaler label. The Discard date is 6 weeks from the date you open the tray.

Taking an Inhaled Treatment

Wait to open the cover until you are ready to take your dose.
Slide the cover down. You will hear a click.
- This will open the Ellipta so you can see the mouthpiece.
- This will also load the medicine.
- The counter will count down one number.
Your inhaler is ready to use.
Hold the Ellipta level and away from your mouth and gently breathe out. Never exhale into the Ellipta.
Seal your lips around the mouthpiece.
Inhale rapidly and deeply. Continue to take a full, deep breath. Do not block the air vent with your fingers.
Hold your breath for up to ten seconds. This allows the medication time to deposit in the airways.
Resume normal breathing.
Close the Ellipta. The mouthpiece will be hidden by the cover when closed.
If the medicine you are taking is Breo™ Ellipta™, rinse your mouth after taking the medicine.

Identifying When the Ellipta is Empty

The Ellipta has a dose indicator on the side of the device. Numbers on the dose indicator show how many doses are left.
When there are nine doses left in the Ellipta there will be a red square next to the number. This means the Ellipta is almost empty
When the red square appears without the number, the Ellipta is empty. Plan to get a new Ellipta before the dose indicator becomes a red square.

Care and Cleaning

If the mouthpiece is dirty, wipe it with a cloth. Do not put the Ellipta in water. Keep the Ellipta closed when not in use.

This information has been reviewed and approved by Ann Mullen, RN, CNS, MSN, AE-C (November 2014)