Brand Name

Pulmicort {AstraZeneca}

Generic Name

budesonide inhalation, pronounced byoo DES oh nide

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Drug Guide

The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What is Pulmicort?

Pulmicort is used to help prevent asthma attacks. This medication will not treat an asthma attack that has already begun. Pulmicort may also be prescribed for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Pulmicort

Pulmicort contains a corticosteroid called budesonide that can help to prevent a release of substances in the body which may cause inflammation.

You should not use Pulmicort to treat an asthma attack. If you use Pulmicort during an asthma attack already in progress you may increase your risk of an asthma-related death.

Only use the dose of Pulmicort that your doctor has prescribed for you, and do not use it for longer than your doctor recommends. Be sure to follow all of the instructions on your prescription to use Pulmicort safely. Your doctor can answer any questions you may have about your individual risks, and benefits, for using Pulmicort.

Pulmicort is in FDA pregnancy category B. It is not known whether Pulmicort can be harmful to an unborn baby. You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using Pulmicort. Do not use Pulmicort if you are breast-feeding as it is known that Pulmicort passes into breast milk.

Pulmicort should not be given to children under age 6. Because Pulmicort can affect growth in children you should talk to your doctor if your child is taking Pulmicort and is not growing at a normal rate.

The long-term use of steroids, like budesonide in Pulmicort, can lead to osteoporosis, or bone loss. This risk is greater for people who have a family history of osteoporosis, smoke, do not exercise, or do not get enough calcium and vitamin D in their diet. Talk to your doctor if you believe you have any of these risk factors for potential bone loss while taking Pulmicort.

Before You Take Pulmicort

You should not take Pulmicort if you are allergic to budesonide, or if you are having an acute asthma attack.

You should talk to your doctor before taking Pulmicort if you have liver disease or osteoporosis.

Do not take Pulmicort without talking to your doctor first if you have herpes simplex infection of your eyes.

Tell your doctor if you have any type of bacterial, fungal, or viral infection, or a history of tuberculosis before taking Pulmicort.

You should avoid being near people who are ill or have infections because Pulmicort can lower the blood cells that help your body to fight infections. If you are exposed to chicken pox or measles contact your doctor right away, as these conditions may become more serious in people who use Pulmicort.

It is important to practice good oral hygiene when using Pulmicort. Rinsing your mouth with water after using Pulmicort helps to reduce the chances of developing a yeast infection of the mouth or throat (thrush). If you develop symptoms of a yeast infection such as white patches on your mouth, tongue or cheeks talk to your doctor.

Pulmicort Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• antibiotics clarithromycin (Biaxin) or telithromycin (Ketek), clarithromycin (Biaxin) or erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin)
• antidepressants like amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol), desipramine (Norpramin), fluoxetine (Prozac), nefazodone, imipramine (Tofranil), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox) or paroxetine (Paxil)
• antifungal medications like ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox)
• nelfinavir (Viracept)
• ritonavir (Norvir)
• Talk with your doctor before giving or receiving live vaccines IE BCG, yellow fever, measles, mumps, rubella

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Pulmicort. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Pulmicort

Pulmicort is a Flexhaler device that has indicator marks to show you how many doses are left inside. These dose-counter marks show increments of 10 doses counting down from either 120 or 60 depending on the size of the device. The indicator may not appear to move until you have used about 5 doses. You should not use an extra dose just because the Flexhaler indicator has not visibly moved to a lower number after one use. Your pharmacist can answer any questions you might have about using this device.

Rinse your mouth with water after using Pulmicort, to reduce your chance of developing a yeast infection in your mouth.

If you are also taking steroid medication, in addition to Pulmicort it is important for you to taper off of the steroids slowly, and under your doctor’s supervision. Do not stop taking your steroid medications suddenly, or you risk experiencing adverse and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Speak to your doctor about tapering your steroid use down safely.

Never use Pulmicort inhalation to treat an asthma attack that has already started. It will not work fast enough. If you experience an asthma attack use only a fast-acting inhalation medication. Your doctor can help you determine the right fast-acting inhaler for you.

You should wear a medical alert ID or carry a medical ID card in case you may need an oral steroid in an emergency.

Use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Talk with your doctor if your Pulmicort is not working well in treating or preventing your asthma attacks. Do not change your dosage or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

You should seek medical attention if you feel like your asthma medications are not working as well as they usually do. Sometimes an increased need for asthma medication could be an early warning sign of a future serious asthma attack. You should check your numbers with a peak flow meter at home, and let your doctor know immediately if your numbers are lower than normal.

Pulmicort should be stored at room temperature, and away from light and heat.

If you miss a dose of Pulmicort you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose do not take the missed dose in addition to your regular dose.

Pulmicort Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Pulmicort and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling of your throat, face, tongue or lips
• changes in your body fat distribution, especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist
• ear pain and fever
• faint feeling like you might pass out
• nausea
• respiratory symptoms that are worsening
• vision problems
• weakness and extreme tired feeling

Less serious side effects may include

• cough
• diarrhea
• headache
• nausea
• nosebleeds
• sneezing
• sore throat
• stomach pain
• stuffy nose
• vomiting
• white patches or sore inside your mouth or on your lips

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Pulmicort. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Pulmicort Description and Dosing

Pulmicort is available is available in the Flexhaler in 90 mcg and 180 mcg strengths and in sizes of 60 or 120 doses..

Pulmicort is prescribed based on the individual need of each patient. Your doctor will tell you the right dose for you.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Pulmicort you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Pulmicort

Pulmicort contains budesonide.

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.