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Bricanyl Turbuhaler: Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

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Facts
Status:
Prescription (Rx)
Strength:
0.5 mg
Active ingredient:
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Source: Health Canada – Drug Product Database (DPD) and product monographs · About this document

Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Bricanyl Turbuhaler

What is BRICANYL TURBUHALER used for?

BRICANYL TURBUHALER is used to treat asthma, bronchitis and emphysema in adults and children 6 years of age and older.

How does BRICANYL TURBUHALER work?

BRICANYL TURBUHALER belongs to a class of drugs called bronchodilators. Bronchodilators relax the muscles in your airways. This helps to open your airways, making it easier for you/your child to breathe. BRICANYL TURBUHALER relieves sudden symptoms such as wheezing, cough and shortness of breath.

The effect of BRICANYL TURBUHALER starts within 5 minutes after you/your child have inhaled it and lasts for up to 7 hours.

What are the ingredients in BRICANYL TURBUHALER?

Medicinal ingredient: terbutaline sulfate

Non-medicinal ingredients: lactose monohydrate (may contain small amounts of milk protein residue)

BRICANYL TURBUHALER comes in the following dosage forms:

Dry powder for oral inhalation: 0.5 mg per dose

Do not use BRICANYL TURBUHALER if:

  • you/your child are allergic to terbutaline sulfate;
  • you/your child are allergic to lactose;
  • you/your child have a heart problem called tachyarrhythmia (fast and/or irregular heartbeat);
  • you/your child are allergic to sympathomimetic amines such as ephedrine or pseudoephedrine.

BRICANYL TURBUHALER should not be used to treat or prevent premature labour or miscarriage.

To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your/your child’s healthcare professional before you/your child take(s) BRICANYL TURBUHALER. Talk about any health conditions or problems you/your child may have, including if you/your child:

  • have heart problems such as irregular heartbeat, chest pain;
  • have uncontrolled asthma;
  • have high blood pressure;
  • have diabetes;
  • have thyroid problems;
  • have a history of seizures;
  • have low levels of potassium in the blood;
  • have ever had an allergic reaction to terbutaline or lactose, or to any other similar medicines;
  • are over 65 years old;

  • are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Other warnings you should know about:

Use During Pregnancy: Premature babies born to mothers who use BRICANYL TURBUHALER at the end of pregnancy may experience low blood sugar levels. Symptoms may include jitteriness, poor body tone and/or poor feeding, but the symptoms may also resemble other conditions. Talk to your baby’s healthcare professional if you are concerned.

Excessive Use: Excessive regular use of BRICANYL TURBUHALER should be avoided as it may increase the risk of asthma attacks that may be life threatening or even fatal. You/your child may then need additional medication to control your/your child’s asthma. You must contact your/your child’s healthcare professional as soon as possible if you/your child need(s) higher doses of BRICANYL TURBUHALER than usual to relieve your/your child’s breathing problems.

Tell your/your child’s healthcare professional about all the medicines you/your child take(s), including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.

The following may interact with BRICANYL TURBUHALER:

  • Other medicines like BRICANYL TURBUHALER (bronchodilators);
  • Beta-blockers (some medicines for high blood pressure, heart conditions and some eye-drops);
  • Epinephrine (also known as adrenaline or adrenalin) for life threatening allergic reactions;
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors for depression;
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants for depression;
  • Steroid medicines (such as prednisolone);
  • Medicines called ‘xanthines’ (such as theophylline);
  • Water pills (diuretics);
  • Halothane or halogenated anesthesia. If you/your child are having surgery, tell the healthcare professional that you/your child are taking BRICANYL TURBUHALER.

How to take BRICANYL TURBUHALER:

  • The dosage of BRICANYL TURBUHALER is individual. Follow your/your child’s healthcare professional's directions carefully. They may differ from the information in this leaflet. Check with your/your child’s healthcare professional if you are not sure.
  • Before using, read the Instructions for Use at the end of this Patient Medication Information and follow the instructions carefully. Make sure you/your child understand and can follow these instructions.
  • Never give your/your child’s medicine to anyone else, BRICANYL TURBUHALER has been prescribed specifically for you/your child.
  • Use as needed, rather than regularly.

Taking BRICANYL TURBUHALER alone for asthma without additional medication (such as an inhaled corticosteroid) may increase your/your child’s risk of severe asthma attack.

If you/your child are also prescribed regular anti-inflammatory medication for asthma (such as an inhaled corticosteroid or leukotriene antagonist), continue using it even if you/your child do not need to use your/your child’s BRICANYL TURBUHALER.

See a healthcare professional right away if:

  • your/your child’s usual dose does not provide relief;
  • your/your child’s breathing condition gets worse (breathlessness, wheezing or tight chest);
  • you/your child are too breathless to speak, eat or sleep;
  • the effects of one dose last less than three hours;
  • you/your child are using BRICANYL TURBUHALER every day to relieve symptoms.

These may be signs that your/your child’s asthma is getting worse.

Usual dose:

Adults and children 6 years of age and older:

  • One inhalation as needed.
  • If needed, you/your child may take a second dose. Wait five minutes for the first dose to take effect before taking the second dose.
  • If your/your child’s symptoms persist after the second dose, consult your/your child’s healthcare professional or the nearest hospital right away.
  • You/your child should not take more than six inhalations (3.0 mg) in a 24 hour period.

Overdose:

If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much BRICANYL TURBUHALER, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

Missed Dose:

BRICANYL TURBUHALER should be used as needed rather than regularly. However, if you/your child have been prescribed regular treatment and you/your child forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you/your child remember(s). If it is very close to the next dosing time, wait until then.

What are possible side effects from using BRICANYL TURBUHALER?

These are not all the possible side effects you/your child may have when taking BRICANYL TURBUHALER. If you/your child experience(s) any side effects not listed here, tell your/your child’s healthcare professional.

The most common side effects are nervousness and shakiness. In most cases these side effects disappear over the first few days of treatment.

Side effects may include:

  • headache;
  • flushing, sweating, hives and rash;
  • occasional muscle cramps;
  • sleeplessness, drowsiness;
  • nervousness, restlessness, agitation, hyperactivity;
  • shakiness;
  • stomach upset, nausea, vomiting;
  • weakness, dizziness;
  • nausea and sweating.

BRICANYL TURBUHALER may affect blood sugar levels. If you/your child are diabetic you/your child may need to check your/your child’s blood glucose more frequently. Your/your child’s healthcare professional will advise you about this.

Serious side effects and what to do about them

Symptom / effectTalk to your healthcare professionalStop taking drug and get immediate medical help
Only if severeIn all cases
RARE
Low potassium levels in the blood: irregular heartbeats, muscle weakness and spasms✓
UNKNOWN FREQUENCY
Allergic Reaction: swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing (or rash and hives in combination with the above)✓
Fast or irregular heartbeats for an extended period of time✓
Myocardial Ischemia: chest pain related to heart problems and shortness of breath✓
Paradoxical Bronchospasm: shortness of breath, chest tightness which causes wheezing immediately after inhaling your dose✓

If you/your child have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your/your child’s daily activities, tell your/your child’s healthcare professional.

Reporting Side Effects

You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:

  • Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada/adverse-reaction-reporting.html) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
  • Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.

NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.

Storage:

Always replace and tighten the cover after using BRICANYL TURBUHALER. Store the inhaler at room temperature (15-30°C).

Do not keep or use BRICANYL TURBUHALER after the expiry date indicated on the label.

Keep out of reach and sight of children.

If you want more information about BRICANYL TURBUHALER:

  • Talk to your/your child’s healthcare professional.
  • Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html; the manufacturer’s website: www.astrazeneca.ca, or by calling 1-800-668-6000.
  • This Patient Medication Information is current at the time of printing. The most up-to-date version can be found at www.astrazeneca.ca.

BRICANYL®, TURBUHALER® and the AstraZeneca logo are registered trademarks of AstraZeneca AB, used under license by AstraZeneca Canada Inc.

© AstraZeneca Canada Inc. 2023

Last Revised MAY 24, 2023

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

BRICANYL® TURBUHALER®

Terbutaline sulfate dry powder for oral inhalation

Before you/your child start(s) using BRICANYL TURBUHALER for the first time it is important that you read the instructions below and follow them carefully.

TURBUHALER is a multidose inhaler from which very small amounts of powder are administered. When you/your child breathe(s) in through BRICANYL TURBUHALER the powder is delivered to the lungs. It is therefore important that you/your child inhale as deeply and strongly as you/your child can through the mouthpiece.

Cover
Mouthpiece
Dose indicator
Grip

Before you use a NEW inhaler for the first time you must prepare the inhaler for use. Follow the steps under “A. How to prepare a NEW inhaler for use:”.

For usual use of your inhaler follow the steps under “B. How to take a dose:”.

A. How to prepare a NEW inhaler for use:

You only need to prepare your NEW inhaler for use once. You do not need to repeat these steps even if your inhaler is not used frequently.

STEP ①Unscrew and lift off the cover (Figure 1). You will hear a rattling sound when you unscrew the cover. This is normal.Figure 1
STEP ②

Hold the inhaler upright. Do not hold the inhaler by the mouthpiece.

  • Turn the blue grip as far as it will go in one direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise, it does not matter which way you turn it first).
  • Then turn the blue grip as far as it will go in the opposite direction (Figure 2).
  • At some point when you are turning the grip you will hear a “click”. This is part of the preparation process.
Figure 2
STEP ③Repeat STEP ② one more time. Then follow the steps under “B. How to take a dose:”, starting at STEP ②.

B. How to take a dose:

To properly take a dose, follow these 4 steps:

STEP ①

Unscrew and lift off the cover (Figure 1). You will hear a rattling

sound when you unscrew the cover. This is normal.

Figure 1
STEP ②

Hold the inhaler upright. Do not hold the inhaler by the mouthpiece.

  • Turn the blue grip as far as it will go in one direction

    (clockwise or counter-clockwise, it does not matter which way you turn it first).

  • Then turn the blue grip as far as it will go in the opposite direction (Figure 2).

A dose has now been loaded.

  • At some point when you are turning the blue grip, you will hear a “click”. This is part of the loading process.
Figure 2
NOTE: If you accidentally drop, shake or breathe out into BRICANYL TURBUHALER after the dose has been loaded, you will lose your dose. If this happens, repeat STEP ② to load a new dose.
STEP ③Breathe out, with your mouth away from the mouthpiece (Figure 3). Then, place the mouthpiece gently between your teeth.Figure 3
STEP ④

Now close your lips over the mouthpiece. Do not bite or chew the mouthpiece.

  • Inhale as deeply and strongly as you can (Figure 4).
  • You may not feel or taste the medication when inhaling. This is common.
  • Before you exhale, remember to remove the inhaler from your mouth.
Figure 4
Repeat STEPS ②-④ if more than one dose has been prescribed. When you have taken the prescribed amount of doses, replace the cover of the inhaler by screwing it back on. With each inhalation some medication may stick to the inside of your mouth and throat. To reduce the risk of side effects rinse your mouth with water, and do not swallow.

Note: Do not try to remove the mouthpiece or to twist it unnecessarily. It is fixed to the inhaler and must not be taken off. Do not use BRICANYL TURBUHALER if it has been damaged or if the mouthpiece has come apart from your TURBUHALER.

I cannot remember how many times I turned the blue grip. What should I do?

The TURBUHALER is designed to load only one dose at a time. If you can’t remember how many times you have turned the blue grip, you can start the process again. Follow the steps below. You will not end up loading two doses.

If you are using a NEW inhaler for the first time, start at the beginning of STEP ② under the section “A. How to prepare a NEW inhaler for use:”.

For usual use of your inhaler, start at the beginning of STEP ② under the section “B. How to take a dose:”.

How do I know my dose has been loaded?
By turning the blue grip all the way in BOTH directions, you will properly load a dose of your medication. At some point when you are turning the grip you will hear a “click”. This is part of the loading process. If you are not sure you heard the “click”, repeat from the beginning of STEP ② under the section “B. How to take a dose:”. This will not result in two doses being loaded. The TURBUHALER is designed to load only one dose at a time. If you do not hear the “click” sound when the turning grip is rotated, you will not receive any medication. If this problem persists, you need to replace the BRICANYL TURBUHALER.
How do I clean my inhaler?
Clean the outside of the mouthpiece once a week with a dry tissue. Never use water or any other fluid. If fluid enters the inhaler it may not work properly.
How do I know when to start a new inhaler?
BRICANYL TURBUHALER has a dose indicator. The dose indicator tells you around how many doses are left in the inhaler, starting with 120 when full. The dose indicator moves slowly each time you load a dose. Every 20th dose is marked with a number and every 10th dose is marked with a dash (Figure 5). For the last 10 doses, the background of the indicator is red. When the "0" on the red background has reached the middle of the window, you should throw out your inhaler and start a new inhaler. Even when the dose indicator registers zero, it is still possible to turn the grip. However, the indicator stops moving and the zero remains in the window. The sound you hear if you shake the inhaler is produced by a drying agent, not the medication. BRICANYL TURBUHALER cannot be refilled with drug and should be thrown away.
Figure 5

BRICANYL®, TURBUHALER® and the AstraZeneca logo are registered trademarks of AstraZeneca AB, used under license by AstraZeneca Canada Inc.

© AstraZeneca Canada Inc. 2023

Last Revised MAY 24, 2023

About this document

Source: Health Canada – Drug Product Database (DPD) and product monographs · DIN (Drug Identification Number): 00786616

Revision date stated in the text: May 24, 2023

Found a mistake? Write to us via the contact page.

The information on this site does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.

Drug information for Bricanyl Turbuhaler

Rx or OTC
Prescription (Rx)?
DIN 00786616
Schedule(s) PRESCRIPTION
Active ingredient(s) Terbutaline sulfate 0.5 MG
Dosage form(s) Powder
Route(s) of administration Inhalation
Drug class (WHO ATC)
  1. R Respiratory system drugs
    1. R03 Drugs for obstructive airway diseases
      1. R03A Adrenergics, inhalants
        1. R03AC Selective beta-2-adrenoreceptor agonist inhalants
          1. R03AC03 Terbutaline
Company ASTRAZENECA CANADA INC
Current status Marketed
Current status date August 9, 2024

Source: Health Canada – Drug Product Database (DPD) and product monographs, data as of November 1, 2026. Data from the Health Canada Drug Product Database, as published there. Not a substitute for the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.