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Alvesco

Rx: Only available by prescription
Brand Name Alvesco Options
- Manufacturer:
Sunovion Pharmaceuticals
Quantity:
Alvesco Description
Ciclesonide is used to prevent and reduce the symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma. Controlling asthma symptoms may decrease time lost from work or school. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing the swelling of the airways in the lungs to make breathing easier.
Alvesco Directions
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using ciclesonide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. No shaking of the inhaler is necessary before use. If the inhaler is new or has not been used for 1 week or more, prime the inhaler for use by spraying 3 puffs into the air. Remove the cover on the mouthpiece. Breathe out as much as you comfortably can. Place the mouthpiece into your mouth and close your lips tightly around it. While breathing in slowly and deeply, press down on the canister with your finger. After inhaling, try to hold your breath for at least 10 seconds to get this medication into your lungs and allow it to work properly. Clean the mouthpiece once a week with a dry tissue. Do not wet the mouthpiece to clean it.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
A spacer device may be used with this medication if you find it difficult to use this inhaler. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait several minutes between each medication, and use this drug (the corticosteroid) last.
To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and yeast infections in the mouth (thrush), gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each use. Do not swallow the rinse water.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best when used at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not increase your dose, use this inhaler more frequently, or stop using it without first consulting your doctor.
Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens. Ask your doctor what to do if you have worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, or worsening peak flow meter readings. Learn when you can self-medicate and when you should get medical help right away.
You may begin to feel this medication working within 24 hours, but it may take several weeks or longer before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after 1 to 2 weeks or if your condition worsens at any time.
Alvesco Cautions
Before using ciclesonide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (e.g., beclomethasone, fluticasone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: tuberculosis, untreated infections (e.g., fungus, bacteria), certain eye problems (glaucoma, cataracts, herpes infection of the eye), liver disease, adrenal gland problems (e.g., adrenal insufficiency), underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), bone loss (osteoporosis).
If you have switched from a corticosteroid taken by mouth (e.g., prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, or if you have been using this product in higher-than-usual doses and suddenly stop using it, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids, especially if your body is stressed due to a major infection, surgery, or injury. Deaths due to low steroid levels have sometimes occurred during such stresses. Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: unusual weakness, sudden weight loss, dizziness.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and tell them that you use (or have used) any type of corticosteroid. Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your need for corticosteroids taken by mouth during times of stress. Consult your doctor or pharmacist now for specific advice about stress situations. You may need to carry a supply of corticosteroid tablets as a precaution.
Avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles infection while taking this medication unless you have previously had these infections (e.g., in childhood). If you are exposed to one of these infections and you have not previously had it, seek immediate medical attention.
This medication may mask signs of infection or put you at greater risk of developing an infection. Report any signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat, fever, cough, changes in sputum color) that occur during treatment.
When used for extended periods, medications similar to ciclesonide may affect bone strength, especially in people who smoke, have a family history of brittle bones (osteoporosis), or take other medications that may weaken bones (e.g., phenytoin). Bone density tests may help to determine whether you need medication to treat or prevent this problem. Consult your doctor for more information.
Caution is advised when using this drug in children. Though it is unlikely to occur with inhaled steroids, 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.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for an extended time may have low levels of corticosteroid hormone. Tell the doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Therefore, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Alvesco Side Effects
Dry/irritated throat, hoarseness, a bad taste in the mouth, or coughing may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: white patches in your mouth or on your tongue.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: vision changes, unusual/persistent headache, poor wound healing, puffy face, unexpected weight gain, muscle pain/weakness, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, agitation).
Infrequently, this medication may cause severe sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma immediately after use. If you have sudden worsening of breathing, use your quick-relief inhaler and seek immediate medical attention.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Alvesco Active Ingredients
Ciclesonide