BUDESONIDE BREATH-ACTIVATED INHALER - ORAL (Pulmicort) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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BUDESONIDE-ORAL BREATH ACTIVATED INHALER Index

budesonide breath-activated inhaler - oral, Pulmicort

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

BRAND NAME(S): Pulmicort

USES: Budesonide is used to control and prevent symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works directly in the lungs to make breathing easier by reducing the irritation and swelling of the airways.This medication must be used regularly to be effective. It does not work immediately and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This medication may also be used to treat lung diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using budesonide and each time you get a refill. Read the directions provided by the manufacturer on the correct use of this device (including a dose counter if one is available). If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.If you are using the US product: follow the instructions for priming the inhaler if you are using it for the first time. There is no need to prime the device again. If you are using the Canadian product: the inhaler does not need to be primed before use.Do not shake this product, and do not use a spacer with it. Hold the device upright while using. If the inhaler device is dropped or shaken, or if you accidentally breathe into the device after the dose has been loaded, you will lose the dose. Load another dose. Do not use the inhaler if it has been damaged or if the mouthpiece has come off.Inhale this medication by mouth, usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Inhale deeply and forcefully while using the device. Turn your mouth away from the device to breathe out before inhaling. Do not exhale back into the device.To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and oral yeast infections from developing, gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each use. Do not swallow the rinse water.Keep track of each dose of medication you use. Discard the device after it has delivered the labeled number of doses or when the red mark reaches the bottom of the dose indicator window.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.Be sure you understand which asthma medications to use on a regular schedule (controller drugs) and which to use as needed for sudden asthma attacks (quick-relief medications). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if your breathing worsens (for example, if you have increased coughing or shortness of breath, or if you wake up at night with breathing trouble).If you are regularly using a different corticosteroid (such as prednisone), you should not stop using it unless directed by your doctor. You may have withdrawal symptoms if the drug is suddenly stopped. Some conditions (such as asthma, allergies) may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. To prevent withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness), your doctor may direct you to slowly lower the dose of your old medication after you are using budesonide. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately. See also Precautions section.You may notice a benefit within 24 hours of starting this drug. It may take 1-2 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Keep track of how often you need to use your quick-relief inhaler and tell your doctor. If your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to work as well or if you need to use more than usual of your quick-relief inhaler for 2 or more days in a row, seek immediate medical attention.The Canadian inhaler is not the same as the US inhaler. Do not substitute the 2 products without talking with your doctor. Your dose may need to be changed.