Suspension
Chemical Name: PULMICORT BUDESONIDE (byoo-DESS-oh-nide)
Common Pulmicort uses
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.
Before using Pulmicort
INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all
prescription and over-the-counter medicine
that you are taking. Inform your doctor of
any other medical conditions such as:
glaucoma, cataracts, and any illnesses or
infections. Inform your doctor of any recent
exposure to contagious diseases such as
chickenpox and measles. Also, tell your
doctor about any allergies, pregnancy, or
breast-feeding.
Pulmicort Directions
Follow the directions for using this
medicine provided by your doctor. This
medicine is to be used in a nebulizer or a
respirator. Do NOT use this medicine in an
ultrasonic nebulizer. This medicine comes
with a patient information leaflet. Read it
carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist any questions that you may have
about this medicine. OPEN THE ALUMINUM FOIL
ENVELOPE and remove one ampule. Record the
date that you open the foil on the back of
the envelope. Once the foil is open, the
unused ampules should be used within 2
weeks. GENTLY SHAKE THE AMPULE then squeeze
the contents into the nebulizer. Do not mix
this medicine with other medicines in the
nebulizer. Connect nebulizer to air pump and
begin treatment as directed. Breathe calmly
and evenly. When there is no more mist in
the nebulizer chamber, the treatment is
complete. After each inhalation, rinse your
mouth out with water. If a face mask is
used, wash face after each dose. AFTER USE,
wash reservoir of the nebulizer, mouth
piece, and mask according to the
manufacturer's directions. Rinse well and
dry. ONCE AN AMPULE IS OPENED, use the
medicine immediately or discard. CONTINUE TO
USE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do
not miss any doses. STORE THIS MEDICINE in
the foil envelope at room temperature
between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25
degrees C) away from heat and light. DO NOT
FREEZE. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE,
use it as soon as possible, then go back to
your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT use 2
doses at once.
Pulmicort Cautions
DO
NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without
checking with your doctor. IT MAY TAKE
SEVERAL DAYS for this medicine to work. Do
not stop using this medicine 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. It should help to
prevent future breathing problems. If you
are having difficulty breathing, use your
bronchodilator or call your doctor.
IMPORTANT: If you have switched from an oral
corticosteroid (e.g., 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, sudden
weight loss, vomiting, fainting, or severe
dizziness. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR
DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR
SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you
are using this medicine. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND
LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using
this medicine. Avoid exposure to chickenpox
and measles. 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. IF YOU
ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are
using this medicine, check with your doctor
or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your
baby.
Possible Pulmicort side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during
treatment, include cough, runny nose,
stomachache, and nose bleeds. If they
continue or are bothersome, check with your
doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE if you experience wheezing, sinus
infection, ear infection, or white patches
in mouth or throat. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR
IMMEDIATELY if you experience swelling of
the face, lips, or tongue; depression;
irritability; or personality change. If you
notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted
side effects or prevent a medicine from
doing its job. Use our drug interaction
checker to find out if your medicines
interact with each other.
Check drug interactions
If you take too much Pulmicort
If
overdose is suspected, contact your local
poison control center or emergency room
immediately.
Additional Pulmicort information
If
your symptoms do not improve after regular
use of this medicine or if your asthma
becomes worse, contact your doctor. If you
switched from oral corticosteroids (e.g.,
prednisone tablets) to an inhalation
suspension or inhaler within the last 12
months, carry a warning card or medical ID
bracelet that identifies your possible need
of supplemental steroids during periods of
stress or a severe asthma attack. DO NOT
SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it
was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE
for other health conditions. KEEP THIS
MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF
USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD
OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply
runs out.
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