Budesonide for Inhalation

About Budesonide for Inhalation

This belongs to the group of medicines known as corticosteroids.

Budesonide can be used to treat asthma.

Corticosteroids 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.

Budesonide is available in nebuliser solution, metered dose inhaler and inhalation powder form.

It is also sometimes known as: Pulmicort; Pulmicort LS. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before using Budesonide

Before using Budesonide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding
• if you suffer from glaucoma or cataracts
• if you have tuberculosis (TB)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to use Budesonide

• Use your inhaler exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Use your inhaler at regular intervals as directed by your doctor.
• 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.
• Never use more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Budesonide.
• Do not stop using Budesonide without speaking to your doctor first.
• Before you have any surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are using Budesonide for inhalation.
• Keep your regular doctors appointments so your progress can be monitored.
• 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 Budesonide.
• Budesonide may occasionally cause hoarseness or oral thrush. Rinsing the mouth with water and spitting out after each dose (or brushing a child's teeth) may help to prevent irritation or thrush.
• This medicine will not give you immediate relief if you are having an asthma attack. You will need a reliever medicine to ease the symptoms of an attack. If you use both types of inhalers, always use the reliever first. Allow 5 minutes before using Budesonide. The reliever will open up the air passages so that the Budesonide can be inhaled more effectively.
• Certain Budesonide inhalers are also prescribed with a spacer. It is recommended that this is always used to get the most out of your treatment and reduce side effects

Can Budesonide 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 to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome:

Hoarseness or oral thrush.

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

How to store Budesonide

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 20/01/2005