Budesonide (for inhalation)

About budesonide for inhalation

Corticosteroids such as budesonide are inhaled to help prevent asthma attacks and to ease breathing problems. They work by reducing swelling and irritation in the small air passages of the lungs.

Before using budesonide for inhalation

Before using budesonide for inhalation make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have ever had pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).
• If you have an infection of the eye or mouth, or a respiratory infection.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use budesonide for inhalation

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Use your inhaler at regular intervals as directed by your doctor.
• Make sure you know how to use your inhaler correctly. If you are not sure, ask your nurse, doctor or pharmacist to show you.
• If you are using a high dose of budesonide, you will also have been given a steroid card. You must carry the card with you at all times.
• Try to use this inhaler at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Budesonide is a preventer inhaler which needs to be used regularly in order to have an effect. It will not give you immediate relief if you are having an asthma attack. You will need a reliever inhaler to ease the symptoms of an attack.
• If you find that your asthma symptoms are getting worse or that you need to use a reliever inhaler more regularly, contact your doctor or nurse for advice straight away.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are using budesonide.
• Do not smoke. Smoking causes severe irritation and damage to the lungs. It will make your condition worse and will reduce the beneficial effects of your medication.
• If you have diabetes this preparation can affect the levels of sugar in your blood. Check your blood glucose levels regularly.
• Stopping this treatment suddenly may make you feel unwell. Do not stop using this inhaler without speaking to your doctor first.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can budesonide for inhalation cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store budesonide for inhalation

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Pulmicort Turbohaler®, AstraZeneca UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated 2007, accessed March 2009.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Novolizer®, Meda Pharmaceuticals, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2007, accessed March 2009.
• British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.