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Generic Name: budesonide inhalation (byoo DES oh nide)
Brand Names: Pulmicort Flexhaler, Pulmicort Respules, Pulmicort Turbuhaler

What is budesonide inhalation?

Budesonide is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Budesonide inhalation is used to prevent asthma attacks.

Budesonide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about budesonide inhalation?

Budesonide inhalation will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. It is used to prevent attacks.

Avoid exposing yourself to known sources of infection. Stay away from people with chicken pox, measles, or any other type of infection. Your immune system may not be strong enough to fight off an infection while you are taking budesonide inhalation.

Use budesonide inhalation on a regular basis for best results. It may take several weeks to get the maximum effect of this medication.

It is very important that you use your budesonide inhaler or nebulizer properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler or nebulizer use.

Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using budesonide inhalation?

Before using budesonide inhalation, tell your doctor if you have a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection of any kind. The absorption of this drug into your system can inhibit your body's ability to fight off infections. You may not be able to use budesonide inhalation if you have an infection.

How should I use budesonide inhalation?

Use budesonide inhalation exactly as directed by your doctor. Read the information insert included with your inhaler. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

If you are also using a bronchodilator such as albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), pirbuterol (Maxair), or bitolterol (Tornalate), your doctor may want you to use the bronchodilator first, then use your budesonide inhaler. Using the medications in this order will allow more budesonide to reach your lungs.

The Pulmicort Flexhaler or Turbuhaler must be primed the first time it is used. Turn the cover and lift it off while holding the unit upright. Turn the grip all the way to the right then all the way to the left until it clicks. Repeat this procedure. The unit is now primed. You will not have to prime it again, even if you do not use it for an extended period of time.

To inhale a dose, hold the unit upright, turn the cover and lift it off. While still holding the unit upright, twist the grip all the way to the right and all the way to the left until it clicks. Do not blow or exhale into the unit, and do not shake it. Turn your head away and breathe out fully. Place your lips around the mouthpiece while holding the unit upright or horizontally. Take a deep, slow breath. You may not taste, smell, or feel any medicine when you inhale, however you are receiving a dose. Hold your breath for several seconds, then exhale slowly. If more than one dose is required, repeat this process. Replace the cover on the unit and twist it firmly into place after each use.

To reduce the chance of developing a yeast infection in your mouth, rinse your mouth with water after a dose of budesonide inhalation but do not swallow. Also, if you are using a nebulizer with a face mask, wash the area of your face covered by the mask.

It is very important that you use your budesonide inhaler or nebulizer properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler or nebulizer use.

Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed for you, but use it consistently, as directed, even when you are feeling better. It may be several weeks before you see effects from budesonide. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Budesonide will not stop an attack after it has started. It is used to prevent attacks from occurring. Keep another medicine on hand to treat attacks.

Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

If you are switching from an oral steroid (pills or liquid) to budesonide inhalation, carry or wear identification that will let others know that you may require a systemic steroid during a severe asthma attack or during another traumatic situation. Discuss with your doctor the precautions necessary when discontinuing an oral steroid.

There are 200 doses in each Pulmicort Turbuhaler. A red mark will appear in the top of the dose indicator window when there are 20 doses of medicine remaining. You should get your next inhaler at this time. When the red mark reaches the bottom of the indicator window, the inhaler is empty and should be thrown away.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this medication is not likely to occur. If you do think an overdose has occurred, call an emergency room or poison control center.

What should I avoid while taking budesonide inhalation?

Avoid items or activities that you know are allergens for you if they make your symptoms worse. Clean areas where dust or pet fur may aggravate your condition.

Avoid exposing yourself to known sources of infection. Stay away from people with chicken pox, measles, or any other type of infection. Your immune system may not be strong enough to fight off an infection while you are taking budesonide inhalation.

Budesonide inhalation side effects

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• numbness, tingling, or pain;

• a rash or unexplained open sores or bruising; or

• worsening respiratory symptoms.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take budesonide inhalation and talk to your doctor if you experience

• dry mouth, nose, or throat after use;

• yeast (or another) infection in the mouth or throat (white patches);

• hoarseness or deepening of the voice, cough, or sore throat;

• headache;

• weakness or fatigue;

• weight loss;

• increased tanning of the skin;

• lightheadedness or dizziness;

• unpleasant (or loss of) taste or smell;

• nausea or abdominal pain;

• decreased growth in children taking large doses;

• increased pressure in the eyes, glaucoma, or tearing of the eyes;

• cataracts, which may develop after long-term use; or

• mood changes such as depression, aggression, irritability, or anxiety (these effects are very rare).

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect budesonide inhalation?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any other drugs you are taking. The use of other oral, nasal, or inhaled steroids may increase the chance of side effects or overdose.

The effects of budesonide inhalation may be increased by the antifungal medicine ketoconazole (Nizoral). If you are using this or another antifungal medication, talk to your doctor.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with budesonide inhalation or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about budesonide inhalation written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Budesonide inhalation is available with a prescription under the brand name Pulmicort. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.