Product Details: Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: AstraZeneca

Description

This medicine is a corticosteroid used to prevent bronchial asthma. It is not used to relieve an asthma attack. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Use Pulmicort Turbuhaler exactly as directed. The effectiveness of Pulmicort Turbuhaler depends on its regular use. Your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose. Do not take more or less medication than the amount prescribed. When starting therapy, carefully read the instructions that come with the inhaler. Your asthma symptoms may begin to improve in 24 hours, although you may not see the maximum benefit for 1 to 2 weeks or longer. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, contact your doctor.
Pulmicort Turbuhaler delivers a dose of medication in dry powder form. To assure the correct dose, the inhaler must be held in an upright position, with the mouthpiece on top, during priming and loading.
Before its first use, each new inhaler must be primed. To prime the inhaler, hold it upright and turn the brown grip fully to the right, then fully to the left until it clicks. Repeat this procedure a second time. The unit is now primed.
The inhaler must be loaded with medication immediately prior to each use. As you did when priming the unit, turn the brown grip fully to the right, then fully to the left until it clicks.
During inhalation, the inhaler must be held in an upright (mouthpiece up) or horizontal position. Do not shake the inhaler. Place the mouthpiece between your lips and inhale forcefully and deeply. The Pulmicort powder is then delivered to the lungs. Do not exhale through the inhaler.
You may not taste or sense any medication entering the lungs when inhaling from the Turbuhaler. This lack of sensation is not a cause for concern, and does not mean that you'll fail to receive the medication's benefits.
To decrease the risk of developing a fungus infection in the mouth, rinse it with water, without swallowing, after each dose. Do not use the inhaler with a spacer. Do not bite or chew the mouthpiece.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product (such as milk protein). DO NOT CHANGE YOUR DOSE OR STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without checking with your doctor. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT STOP AN ASTHMA ATTACK once it has already started. Be sure to carry a short-acting bronchodilator with you at all times to treat any breathing problems that may occur between doses of this medicine (such as severe or sudden onset of wheezing or shortness of breath). If you have any questions about which medicines stop asthma attacks, check with your doctor or pharmacist. TELL YOUR DOCTOR AT ONCE if you notice that your short-acting bronchodilator inhaler does not work as well, if you need to use it often (eg, 4 or more times a day for more than 2 days in a row; more than 1 canister in 8 weeks), or if you have a decrease in your peak flow meter results. LAB TESTS, including lung function, adrenal function, bone density and eye exams may be performed while you use this medicine. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. IMPORTANT: IF YOU HAVE SWITCHED FROM AN ORAL CORTICOSTEROID (such as prednisone tablets) to this medicine within the past 12 months, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids, especially if your body is stressed due to major infections such as stomach infections (gastroenteritis), surgery, or injury. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific advice regarding stress situations. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following signs of low steroid levels: unusual weakness, depression, or muscle or joint pain. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY SOMETIMES CAUSE SEVERE BREATHING PROBLEMS right after you use a dose. When this problem occurs, it is often after the first use of a new canister or vial. If this happens, use your short-acting bronchodilator and seek medical care at once. Do not use any more doses of this medicine unless instructed by your doctor. This medicine may lower your resistance to infection. IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD CHICKENPOX OR MEASLES, avoid contact with anyone who has any of these diseases. Tell your doctor right away if you are exposed to anyone who has these infections. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE HAVING IMMUNIZATIONS (VACCINATIONS) while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT GROWTH RATE in children. Your child's growth should be checked regularly while using this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while using this medicine include nasal congestion and throat irritation. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience severe or persistent diarrhea or stomach pain, signs of infection (such as fever, chills, or sore throat), ear pain or discharge, white patches in mouth or on throat, mental or mood changes, or vision changes. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience depression, new or worsening asthma symptoms (such as increased wheezing, sudden onset of shortness of breath, shortness of breath after using this medicine). An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Budesonide