Budecort®

budesonide

Brand(s):

• Budecort

Manufacturer:

• Cipla Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Disease(s):

• Allergy

Budesonide Inhalation: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Budesonide Inhalation?

Budesonide is a corticosteroid medication that works by preventing the release of inflammatory substances in your body. This helps to reduce swelling and irritation in your airways.

Budesonide Inhalation is primarily used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children aged 6 years and older. It's a preventative medication, not a quick-relief treatment for an asthma attack.

This medication guide provides essential information. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for complete details and personalized advice.

Important Information: Know Before You Use

Never use Budesonide Inhalation to treat an asthma attack that has already started. It's not a rescue inhaler and won't work fast enough. Use a fast-acting inhaler for immediate relief during an attack.

You should not use Budesonide Inhalation if you have a severe allergy to milk proteins.

If your asthma symptoms don't improve after two weeks of using Budesonide Inhalation, contact your doctor. This is important for ensuring effective treatment.

Call your doctor immediately if you suspect your asthma medication isn't working as well as usual. Increased medication needs could signal a serious asthma attack.

Your Budesonide Inhalation dosage might need adjustment following surgery, illness, periods of stress, or recent asthma attacks. Discuss any changes in medication effectiveness with your doctor.

If you're also taking oral steroid medication, don't stop suddenly. This can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Gradually reduce the dose under your doctor's supervision.

Before Using Budesonide Inhalation: Consult Your Doctor

You shouldn't use Budesonide Inhalation if you're allergic to budesonide or if you:

• Have a severe allergy to milk proteins;

• Are currently experiencing an asthma attack.

To ensure Budesonide Inhalation is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have:

• Liver disease;

• Osteoporosis or low bone mineral density;

• Glaucoma, cataracts, or herpes simplex eye infection;

• Any infection (bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic);

• Food or drug allergies;

• A history of tuberculosis;

• Malnutrition, smoking habit, or are going through menopause.

Long-term steroid use, including Budesonide Inhalation, may increase the risk of bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke, are inactive, have insufficient vitamin D or calcium intake, or have a family history of osteoporosis.

Budesonide Inhalation is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Budesonide Inhalation can pass into breast milk and may potentially harm a nursing infant. Discuss breastfeeding with your doctor.

Budesonide Inhalation may affect growth in children. Report any concerns about your child's growth rate to your doctor.

Budesonide Inhalation is not approved for use in children under 6 years old.

How to Use Budesonide Inhalation

Use Budesonide Inhalation precisely as prescribed. Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Your doctor may adjust your dosage for optimal results. Never alter the dosage or duration of treatment without consulting your doctor.

Remember, Budesonide Inhalation is a preventative medication, not a rescue inhaler for immediate asthma relief. Use a fast-acting inhaler for asthma attacks.

Your medication will come with instructions on safe and effective use, including inhaler priming and cleaning. Follow these instructions carefully. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Use only the inhaler provided with your medication. Do not submerge the inhaler in water or attempt to disassemble it.

Always rinse your mouth with water after each use to reduce the risk of oral thrush (a fungal infection).

Your doctor may monitor your vision and bone mineral density during treatment.

Steroid use can weaken your immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections. Avoid contact with sick individuals.

Dosage adjustments may be necessary after surgery, illness, stress, or recent asthma attacks. Do not change your medication regimen without your doctor's approval.

Contact your doctor if symptoms don't improve after a week or if you feel your medication isn't working as effectively. Monitor peak flow meter readings if using one.

Asthma management typically involves multiple medications. Use all prescribed medications as directed by your doctor and read the instructions provided with each medication. Don't adjust dosages or schedules without consulting your physician.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture, light, and heat. Keep the inhaler cover on when not in use. Store Respules upright in their foil envelope; use within two weeks of opening the envelope.

The Flexhaler device has a dose counter. The counter may not always show an immediate change after each dose.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

Things to Avoid While Using Budesonide Inhalation

Avoid getting Budesonide Inhalation in your eyes.

Minimize contact with sick individuals or those with infections. Seek preventive treatment from your doctor if exposed to chickenpox or measles, as these can be serious or even fatal for individuals using Budesonide Inhalation.

Possible Side Effects of Budesonide Inhalation

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction: hives, rash, severe itching; chest pain, difficulty breathing, anxiety; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Contact your doctor promptly if you experience:

• Worsening asthma symptoms;

• Wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using the medication;

• White patches or sores in your mouth or on your lips;

• Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or halos around lights;

• Signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches, ear pain, nausea, vomiting);

• Signs of low adrenal gland hormones (increased fatigue or muscle weakness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting).

Common side effects may include:

• Runny or stuffy nose, sneezing;

• Red, itchy, watery eyes;

• Fever, sore throat, cough;

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite;

• Nosebleed;

• Headache, back pain.

This is not an exhaustive list. Consult your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Interactions with Other Medications

Inform your doctor about all your current medications, including those you start or stop using, especially:

• Other steroid medications (fluticasone, prednisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, etc.);

• Antibiotic or antifungal medications (ketoconazole, voriconazole, etc.);

• Antiviral medications for hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS;

• Seizure medications;

• Drugs that weaken the immune system (cancer medications, steroids, organ transplant rejection medications).

This is not a complete list of potential drug interactions. Other drugs, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products, may interact with Budesonide Inhalation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for a comprehensive list.