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Ellipta inhaler technique — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModeratePatient CounsellingEllipta inhaler techniqueGPhC CRA

A 58-year-old woman with COPD has been initiated on a combined fluticasone furoate/vilanterol inhaler (Relvar Ellipta). She asks you to show her how to use it. What is an essential element of the counselling?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Breathe in slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece, then hold your breath for about five seconds

The Ellipta is a dry powder inhaler (DPI). The correct technique involves opening the cover (which loads the dose), exhaling away from the device (not into it), placing lips around the mouthpiece, breathing in steadily and deeply, then holding the breath for about five seconds. DPIs do not require shaking or priming. Spacers are only used with pressurised metered-dose inhalers, not DPIs. Exhaling into the device would introduce moisture and degrade the dose.

Reference: BNF; Relvar Ellipta SmPC