Bricanyl

Bricanyl is a reliever inhaler used to treat sudden breathing problems caused by asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It contains the active ingredient terbutaline, which can ease symptoms of asthma and COPD within 5 minutes. Because of its speedy response time, the Bricanyl Turbohaler is used only as-needed for sudden breathing problems like asthma attacks. At 121doc, we offer the Bricanyl Turbohaler in a 500 mcg formulation, with each inhaler containing 100 actuations.

Bricanyl works by relaxing muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe. The active ingredient, terbutaline sulfate, is a short-acting bronchodilator. These medicines target receptors in your airways (beta-2 receptors), which signal the muscles to relax. As the muscles relax, your airways widen, allowing air to flow more easily in and out of your lungs. It does this within minutes to relieve tightness in the throat and chest, offering fast relief during sudden asthma attacks.

Clinical research shows the Bricanyl Turbohaler is highly effective at reducing asthma symptoms, with half of patients studied preferring the Turbohaler to other inhalers. This study also found that the Bricanyl Turbohaler was particularly effective at night, managing asthma symptoms more effectively than other treatments.

The Bricanyl inhaler works in as little as 5 minutes to relieve breathing problems caused by asthma or COPD, such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. The effects of Bricanyl typically last for up to 6 hours after dosing, meaning you shouldn’t have to use it very often.

Follow these instructions when using your Bricanyl inhaler:

IMPORTANT: If using it for the first time, prepare your inhaler by turning the blue grip as far as it goes in one direction, then as far as it goes in the other direction. You should hear a click. Do this again, turning the blue grip in both directions until you hear another click.

1. Unscrew the cover and lift it off. Keep it to one side.
2. Twist the blue grip as far as it goes one way, then as far as it goes the other way. You should hear a click.
3. Breathe out gently as far as is comfortable, then place the mouthpiece in between your teeth.
4. Close your lips and breathe in deeply and hard through your mouth.
5. Remove the inhaler from your mouth and breathe out gently.
6. Rinse your mouth out with water.
7. If you are to take a second dose, repeat steps 2 to 6.
8. Replace the cover and screw it back on.
9. Rinse your mouth out with water each time after taking your dose, if possible, to remove any medicine that remains in your mouth

Bricanyl should be used as needed to control symptoms of asthma or COPD. However, you should not take more than 4 inhalations per day. If you feel the need to use it more than this, Bricanyl may not be managing your symptoms well enough. If this is the case, ask your doctor about alternative treatment.

Usually, Bricanyl will not be prescribed alone. Using a reliever treatment like Bricanyl alongside a preventer inhaler usually offers the most effective asthma control.

At 121doc, Bricanyl is only prescribed to men or women aged 18 or older who complete a short online consultation. Do not use Bricanyl if you are allergic to terbutaline or any other ingredient found in this medicine.

In addition to this, consult your doctor before using it if you have:

• diabetes (you may need extra blood sugar tests)
• a history of heart problems
• an overactive thyroid gland

In general, pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use this medicine. Bricanyl can sometimes be prescribed to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, but only if the benefits outweigh the risks, and only under a doctor’s supervision. Speak with your doctor about alternatives if you require treatment for your asthma or COPD while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Bricanyl can cause some side effects, although most are mild and not everyone will experience them.

The most common side effects of Bricanyl are:

• trembling or shaking
• headache
• pounding or fast heartbeat (palpitations)
• muscle cramp or feeling tense
• muscle weakness, thirst, or ‘pins and needles’ (caused by low potassium levels)

This is not an exhaustive list. For a full list of Bricanyl’s side effects, consult the patient information leaflet.

Bricanyl is a reliever inhaler, meaning it is used in the event of sudden breathing problems, not as a daily preventative treatment. When you feel an attack coming on, inhale 1-2 puffs of Bricanyl (depending on your doctor's advice), and your symptoms should subside within 5 minutes.

For daily maintenance treatment, consider a preventer inhaler like Flixotide. These inhalers differ from Bricanyl in that they are taken every day to manage symptoms of asthma or COPD. They are often used alongside a reliever inhaler to manage day-to-day symptoms while also providing quick relief from sudden breathing problems.

No, Bricanyl is not a steroid. Terbutaline, the active ingredient in Bricanyl, is a short-acting bronchodilator. Where steroid inhalers reduce inflammation in the airways over time, short-acting bronchodilators relax the muscles in your airways directly within minutes. Steroid inhalers are usually used long-term as preventative treatments, whereas short-acting bronchodilators are typically relievers.

No, Bricanyl and Ventolin are not exactly the same, but they work in the same way to relieve sudden breathing problems like asthma attacks. The main difference between Bricanyl and Ventolin is the active ingredients: Bricanyl contains terbutaline, while Ventolin contains salbutamol. Both are short-acting bronchodilators, but one may work better for you. Never take Bricanyl and Ventolin together.

No, you cannot get Bricanyl without a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Safety is our number one priority at 121doc, and our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects

To see if you’re eligible for treatment, all you have to do is complete a short online consultation. If approved by our medical team, your treatment will be delivered direct to your door in discreet packaging.