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Pulmicort Turbuhaler
Aerosol
Chemical Name: BUDESONIDE (byoo-DESS-oh-nide)
Common 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
WARNING: If you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone tablets) to this inhaler 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. Deaths have occurred during such stresses, due to low steroid levels. Consult your doctor or pharmacist now for specific advice regarding stress situations; you may need to carry a supply of corticosteroid tablets as a precaution. Routine blood tests may be performed (e.g., morning cortisol levels). 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. Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your need for oral corticosteroids during times of stress as noted. 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.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. 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. If you are not sure how to use this device, ask your pharmacist to show you how. Turn your head away from the inhaler and breathe out slowly and deeply. Put the mouthpiece between your lips and breathe in forcefully and deeply through your mouth. You may not taste, smell, or feel the medicine as you are breathing in. Repeat this process if more than one dose is required. Replace the cover when storing this medicine. If you drop the turbuhaler after you loaded a dose or if you accidentally breathe into the device, you will lose the dose. If this happens, reload the dose and proceed. Rinse your mouth out with water after using this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Do not use the turbuhaler if it has been damaged in any way or if the mouthpiece has become detached. Do not puncture, break, or burn container, even if it appears empty. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.
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 side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include cough, throat irritation, hoarseness, bad taste in mouth, headache, fever, indigestion, or nausea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience sinus infection, ear infection, white patches in mouth or on throat, or mental/mood changes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Additional information
Each inhaler contains about 200 doses. When a red mark appears in the window under the mouthpiece, there are approximately 20 does left. The inhaler is empty when the red mark reaches the lower edge of the window. Once empty, discard the inhaler as it cannot be refilled. 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 this 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. Keep this inhaler clean and dry. 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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