Tools for medication use: why are they important

Inhalers for breathing problems

Most of the medication needed for asthma or COPD comes in an inhaler. We'll show you step by step how to use them so you can inhale your medication effectively. You can practice inhalation in the pharmacy based on "placebo" inhalers under the guidance of a pharmacy assistant. For more information Consult the Overview. Or check out networkapothecaries.nl.

Insulin pens for diabetes

With an insulin pen, you can self-administer the right amount of insulin when needed. How does an insulin pen work? Insulin pens look like small fountain pens. You place an ampule filled with insulin into the pen and then turn it up. Then you choose the spot on your body where you want to prick with the needle and press the pen. You have to set the dose of insulin beforehand.

Important to know: There are special needle removers to prevent needlestick accidents. And you can use disposable pens as a spare for vacation, for example.

Types of insulin pens: There are pre-filled disposable insulin pens, where you throw away the whole pen when the cartridge is empty. And there are refillable insulin pens where you replace the empty cartridge with a new one.

Alternatives: Some insulin pens have a memory to keep track of when and how much insulin you have administered. Others have a locking mechanism to prevent lancing accidents, which is helpful for caregivers and family caregivers. There are also insulin pens with audible clicks to indicate the amount of units of insulin. For people with hand or eye problems, there are holders into which an insulin pen fits.

Eye drop bottles

Do you use eye drops? An aid can be helpful. The choice of device depends on the dropper bottle you use and any problem you experience while dropping. All eye drop devices can be cleaned with cold or lukewarm water and soap/detergent after use. Then dry with a clean cloth. Do not boil or clean in the dishwasher. The devices are for personal use only.

At this pageyou can see which aids there are, how to use the bottle properly without contaminating it and how to administer the drops accurately. Would you like to order one of the tools? Then fill in this form.

Adrenaline pen for allergies

An adrenaline pen is crucial for allergic reactions such as bee stings or food allergies. You use this adrenaline injection for life-threatening acute allergy (anaphylaxis), such as from nuts or wasp and bee stings. With anaphylaxis, your blood vessels become very wide, making you dizzy and may faint. An adrenaline injection causes the blood vessels to narrow again within 3 to 5 minutes, making you less dizzy. Learn more about insect bites on our website.

And also these points of interest

• Read the instructions in the pen's package insert and make sure your housemates also know how to use the adrenaline pen.
• After using it, call the emergency number 112 or your family doctor immediately.
• Adrenaline reduces the worst symptoms, but your allergy needs further treatment.
• Doubting whether your symptoms are severe enough? If so, use the adrenaline pen anyway and always warn your doctor afterwards. It is recommended to have two adrenaline pens. Sometimes one injection is not enough and you may use a second adrenaline injection after 5 to 10 minutes.
• Are you pregnant? In theory, this drug can cause less blood to go to the placenta (placenta). But anaphylaxis is life-threatening for you and your baby. Using this medicine is therefore in the best interest of both mother and child.

This is how to use adrenaline pen for allergies

• Recognize symptoms: Respiratory problems, swelling, dizziness after exposure to an allergen.
• Use adrenaline pen: Remove pen, remove cap, place firmly on thigh, hold for 10 seconds.
• Call for medical attention: Immediately after use.

Always seek medical advice for allergic reactions!

Vaginal applicators

What is a vaginal applicator?

A vaginal applicator is a medical device designed to apply medicines or products directly into the vagina, such as creams, gels, tablets, suppositories or foam. This is often used to treat vaginal infections, dryness or other conditions.

How to use a vaginal applicator?

• Preparation: Wash your hands thoroughly. Make sure the applicator is clean and dry.
• Filling the applicator: Fill the applicator with the prescribed medicine. Some applicators are pre-filled, others you have to fill yourself.
• Comfortable position: Lie down with knees bent and feet flat, or stand with one foot on an elevation.
• Injection: Gently insert the applicator into the vagina.
• Administration: Press the plunger or squeeze the applicator to release the drug.
• Removal and cleaning: Gently remove the applicator from the vagina and clean it. Wash your hands again.

Types of vaginal applicators and associated medication

1. Cream applicators

For applying vaginal creams such as:

• Miconazole: used for the treatment of vaginal fungal infections.
• Estriol: a hormone cream for the treatment of vaginal dryness and atrophy.

2. Gel applicators

For thicker gels, such as:

• Metronidazole gel: used for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
• Progesterone gel: used in fertility treatments.

3. Suppository pill applicators

For vaginal suppositories, such as:

• Clotrimazole: used for fungal infections.
• Boric Acid suppositories: used for chronic fungal infections and bacterial vaginosis.

4. Tablet applicators

For placing vaginal tablets, such as:

• Fluconazole: used for severe fungal infections.
• Misoprostol: used in abortion and to treat incomplete miscarriage.

5. Foam applicators

For drugs in foam form, such as:

• Contraceptive foams: such as nonoxynol-9, used for contraception.
• Steroidal foams: used for anti-inflammatory treatments.

Choose the right applicator depending on the type of medicine and your personal preference. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist with any questions about the use of vaginal applicators. With proper care and use, they are an effective way to administer vaginal medications.

Nose sprays

Nose spray is used to get rid of a stuffy nose quickly. It is useful for colds or allergies. You simply spray it into your nostrils and within minutes you can breathe freely again. Be sure to keep your head straight and pinch one nostril while spraying into the other. It works quickly and effectively, but don't use it too often. Prolonged use can cause your nasal mucosa to be damaged and make you dependent on it. Always follow the instructions on the package and don't use it for more than a week without a doctor's advice.

View the instructional videos here.