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Budesonide is used to prevent and reduce symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma. Controlling breathing problems may decrease lost time from work or school. 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 prevent breathing problems (attacks of wheezing/shortness of breath). It does not work immediately and should not be used to relieve an asthma attack. If an attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed. Keep track of how often you need to use your quick-relief inhaler and inform your doctor. If your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to work as well, if you need to use more than usual of your quick-relief inhaler for 2 or more days in a row, or if you need to use more than one full canister of your quick-relief inhaler over a 2-month period, seek immediate medical attention.This medication may also be used to treat lung diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema.
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Pulmicort Turbuhaler images:
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Pulmicort Turbuhaler
Uses
Budesonide is used to prevent and reduce symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma. Controlling breathing problems may decrease lost time from work or school. 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 prevent breathing problems (attacks of wheezing/shortness of breath). It does not work immediately and should not be used to relieve an asthma attack. If an attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed. Keep track of how often you need to use your quick-relief inhaler and inform your doctor. If your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to work as well, if you need to use more than usual of your quick-relief inhaler for 2 or more days in a row, or if you need to use more than one full canister of your quick-relief inhaler over a 2-month period, seek immediate medical attention.This medication may also be used to treat lung diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Learn to use a peak flow meter, use it daily, and promptly report worsening asthma (such as readings in the yellow/red range or increased use of quick-relief inhalers).Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., morning cortisol levels) may be performed to monitor your progress and check for side effects.Avoid allergens (e.g., pollen), irritants, smoking/secondhand smoke, and other factors that make asthma worse.Most people with asthma or ongoing lung disease should receive a flu shot annually.
- Discuss with your doctor.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) with the cover on firmly, away from light/moisture.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
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.
- If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Prepare the inhaler for use by following the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet.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.
- Do not exhale back into the device.
- Avoid getting the medication in your eyes.If more than one inhalation/puff is prescribed, wait at least one minute between inhalations.
- If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait several minutes between the use of each medication, and use this drug (the corticosteroid) last.To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and oral yeast infections, gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each use.
- Do not swallow the rinse water.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
- This medication works best if used consistently at even intervals.
- To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
- Do not increase your dose, use this more frequently, or stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor.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.You may begin to feel this medication working within 24 hours, but it may take 2 weeks or longer before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.
- Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects
- See also the Precautions section.Dry/irritated throat, hoarseness, or coughing may occur.
- A bad taste in the mouth, headache, upset stomach, nausea, voice changes, runny nose, flu-like symptoms, or back pain may also occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because 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, muscle/joint pain, sinus pain/pressure, discolored discharge from the nose, bone pain/breakage, puffy face, unexpected weight gain, swelling of the feet/ankles, easy bruising/bleeding, difficulty sleeping, mental/mood changes (e.g., mood swings, depression, anxiety), vision problems.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 unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking budesonide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone); or if you have any other allergies.This drug should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: natalizumab.If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting budesonide.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: tuberculosis, untreated infections, certain eye problems (e.g., glaucoma, cataracts, herpes infection of the eye), liver disease, adrenal gland problems (e.g., adrenal insufficiency).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 have sometimes occurred during such stresses due to low steroid levels.
- Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: unusual weakness, nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain.Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and inform them that you use (or have used) any type of corticosteroid.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist now for advice about future stress situations.
- You may need to carry a supply of corticosteroid tablets as a precaution.
- Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your need for oral corticosteroids during times of stress as noted.
- (See also Medical Alert section.) Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.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.Avoid contact with people who have chickenpox or measles unless you have previously had these diseases (e.g., in childhood).
- If you are exposed to one of these infections and you have not previously had it, seek immediate medical attention.When used for extended periods, medications similar to budesonide 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 if you need medication to treat or prevent this problem.
- Discuss with your doctor.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.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
- Rarely, there have been reports of this drug causing harm to unborn babies.
- 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 your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.It is not known if budesonide passes into breast milk.
- Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.
- Therefore, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
- Use the remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: natalizumab.If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting beclomethasone.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone), drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove budesonide from your body (such as azole antifungals including ketoconazole and itraconazole, macrolide antibiotics including erythromycin, rifamycins including rifabutin, St.
- Johns wort, certain anti-seizure medicines including carbamazepine), mifepristone, quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), bupropion, aldesleukin, licorice (glycyrrhiza).
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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