BUDESONIDE - NASAL BREATH ACTIVATED INHALER side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

BUDESONIDE-NASAL BREATH ACTIVATED INHALER

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GENERIC NAME: BUDESONIDE - NASAL BREATH ACTIVATED INHALER (byou-DESS-oh-nide)

USES: This is an anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroid) which acts in the nose to reduce congestion. It is used to treat the stuffy nose caused by allergies. It is also used to prevent and treat nasal polyps.

HOW TO USE: This medication is usually used once a day as directed. Do not increase your dose, use this more frequently or stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor. This medication is for use in the nose. A health care professional should instruct you on the proper use of the nasal inhaler. For best results, follow the instructions closely. To use the nasal inhaler, first gently blow your nose to clear the nasal passages to ensure that the drug reaches deep into the nose. Unscrew the cover of the inhaler and lift it off. Hold the inhaler upright, turn the grip fully in one direction until it stops and twist it back again until it clicks (this action loads the dose). After loading the dose, do not shake the inhaler. Place the nasal adapter so the nostril fits snugly around the adapter. Block the other nostril with a finger. Sniff quickly and forcefully. The drug will be inhaled as you sniff in. Remove the inhaler from your nostril then breathe out. Repeat for the other nostril. Wipe the nasal adapter with a dry cloth after use. Do not wash it. Replace the cover. If the inhaler device is dropped or you accidentally breathe into the device after the dose has been loaded, you will lose your dose. Load and inhale a second dose.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dry or irritated nose or throat, sneezing, dizziness or headache may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. A bad taste in the mouth may also occur. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: rash, fever, sore throat, repeated nasal bleeding, sores in the nose, swelling of the face, wheezing, breathing trouble, behavioral changes (especially in children), green or yellow-colored nasal secretions. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: thyroid problems, liver disease, infections, any allergies, recent nasal surgery or trauma. Though very unlikely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed into your bloodstream. This may have undesirable consequences that may require additional corticosteroid treatment. This is especially true for children and for those who have used this for an extended period of time and if they also have serious medical problems such as serious infections, injuries or surgeries. This precaution applies for up to one year after stopping use of this drug. Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: vision problems, persistent headache, increased thirst or urination, unusual weakness or weight loss, dizziness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and inform them that you use (or have used) this medication. Caution is advised when using this drug in children. Though it is unlikely to occur with intranasal steroids (budesonide), this medication may temporarily slow down a child's rate of growth, but it will probably not affect final adult height. Monitor your child's height periodically. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Based on information for similar drugs, budesonide may pass into breast milk. Therefore, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.