The doctor says to prep and prime my MDI/HFA inhaler. What does that mean?
In order for your MDI/HFA to be totally effective (and to ensure correct dose delivery), these inhalers need to be primed before the first dose and again after several days of non-use. Some inhalers should also be primed if they are dropped or even washed! The drug and propellant separate when not in use. So, it’s important to shake the canister well to mix the two together. Failure to shake the canister results in up to a 33% reduction in the amount of drug delivered. Priming is done by spraying the medicine into the air before using the inhaler. Remember, the number of priming puffs needed and the frequency of priming varies with the specific MDIs/HFAs. Determine how and when to prime your specific inhaler at the following website: www.nationaljewish.org/healthinfo/medications/lung-diseases/devices/metered-dose/hfa-propellant.aspx#6. Remember to count the priming puffs toward your total number of puffs.
