ProAir®

What is ProAir?

ProAir is a rescue inhaler that works as a bronchodilator. It works to open up your airways when you’re having an asthma attack. But you can also use it right before you exercise to prevent an attack from happening in the first place.

Rescue inhalers like ProAir should be carried with you everywhere in case you develop symptoms.

ProAir is the branded version of Albuterol, which is named after the active ingredient present in both. Other inhalers such as Ventolin and Proventil also use albuterol as their active ingredient.

You can get ProAir in three different versions:

• the HFA which is is button-activated,
• the Respiclick which is breath-activated,
• and the Digihaler, which can track how often you’re using it and your respiratory flow, and you can access the data via an app.

How do ProAir inhalers work?

ProAir contains albuterol, a short-acting beta-2 agonist. It works directly on the beta-2 receptors, causing the smooth muscle in your airways to relax and dilate. This action should make it easier for you to breathe during an asthma attack.^[1] ProAir is an on-demand medication that you use when symptoms start or prior to exercise to prevent an asthma attack.

What doses of ProAir inhaler are there?

Each ProAir device comes with 200 doses with a total of 8.5g of albuterol. The device delivers approximately 90mcg of albuterol to your lungs with each inhalation.

How to use ProAir

The HFA and Diskus versions of ProAir are used differently. One is button-activated and the other is breath-activated. We’ll give you some simple instructions here on how to use both of these, as well as the Digihaler version, but this is not a substitute for your clinician’s advice. If you have any questions or concerns, you should ask the clinician who prescribed the medication to you.

• ProAir is a rescue medication, so you should use it only when you’re having asthma symptoms or 15-30 minutes prior to exercise to prevent an asthma attack.
• Do not overuse your rescue inhaler. If you’re having to rely on it multiple times a week or being woken up in the middle of the night with asthma attacks, you should consult your clinician as you might need to start using a combination inhaler as a preventer.
• Rinse your mouth with plenty of water after you use your inhaler and don’t swallow the water.
• Your inhaler will come with a dose counter display, once you’re running low the display background will turn red. This means you need a refill.

How to use ProAir HFA

• The HFA inhaler needs to be primed before you use it for the first time, or if you haven’t used it for over two weeks.
• To prime it, remove the dust cap, shake the inhaler and spray it away from your face. Repeat this process three times and you’re ready to go. When you prime it before using it for the first time, a dot will appear on the dose counter display, and once you shake and spray three times to prime it, the counter will turn to 200.
• Before each use, shake the inhaler a few times and remove the dust cap.
• Breathe out as much as possible and once you’re done place the mouthpiece between your lips.
• Breathe in deeply and press the canister down at the same time. Keep going until the canister is pressed all the way.
• Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for approximately ten seconds.
• If your clinician instructed you to take more than one dose at a time, wait one minute and repeat the process.
• Once you’re done, put the dust cap back on.

How to use ProAir RespiClick

• You don’t need to prime RespiClick, it’ll be ready to use as soon as you get it
• There’s no canister in the Respiclick version, instead a dose of powder will be dispensed as soon as you open the mouthpiece cap. Don’t shake or tilt the inhaler, as that can cause the powder to fall off.
• Pull the cap down to expose the mouthpiece, you’ll hear a click once the cap is fully open. The click means the powder has been dispensed, so if you didn’t hear it it might mean that you need to do it again.
• Always hold the inhaler upright, with the mouthpiece pointing down.
• Right before you use the inhaler, exhale as much as possible away from the mouthpiece. Once you can’t exhale anymore, place your lips around the mouthpiece.
• Be careful not to block the vent above the mouthpiece with your fingers or lips.
• Breathe in quickly and deeply to get the powder into your lungs and remove the inhaler from your mouth.
• Hold your breath for about 10 seconds or until it gets uncomfortable.
• Exhale slowly and close the mouthpiece cap.
  If your clinician told you to take more than one dose at a time, wait a couple of minutes and repeat the whole process again.

How to use ProAir Digihaler

The ProAir Digihaler works exactly the same as the RespiClick, so you can follow the same instructions. The Digihaler can be connected to an app that’ll give you some data, such as how often you use your inhaler and your respiratory function.

But although this data can be useful for you and your healthcare provider, you don’t need to use it for the inhaler to deliver the medication.

How long does it take ProAir to work?

ProAir is used to treat acute asthma symptoms, so it’s expected to work quickly. The average time it takes to work is 5.9 minutes, and the benefits can last up to an hour.

If you’re using ProAir to prevent asthma symptoms during exercise, you should take it 15 to 30 minutes before you start your workout.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using ProAir?

ProAir inhalers are an on-demand treatment, so you can’t really forget to take a dose. If you don’t have your inhaler with you and experience symptoms, you may need to call 911. To avoid this, always carry your inhaler with you. You can place it near your wallet, in your handbag, or next to your house keys to make sure you don’t miss it when you’re about to leave the house.

If you accidentally use more ProAir than you should, contact your clinician as soon as possible so they can advise you further. If you start experiencing adverse effects, go to your nearest emergency room so you can get monitored and treated on onset of symptoms.