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What is Pulmicort
 Pulmicort
is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the
body that cause inflammation.
Pulmicort
is used to prevent asthma attacks.
Pulmicort
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Pulmicort
Pulmicort will not stop an asthma attack that has
already started. It is used to prevent attacks.
Do
not use more of this medication than is prescribed for you.
Too much may cause serious side effects.
Use Pulmicort
on a regular basis for best results. It may take several
weeks to get the maximum effect of this medication.
It is very important that you use your Pulmicort inhaler
or nebulizer properly, so that the medicine gets into your
lungs. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler or nebulizer
use.
Seek medical attention if you notice that you
require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount
of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased
need for medication could be an early sign of a serious
asthma attack.
Who should not use Pulmicort
Before using Pulmicort, tell your doctor if you have
a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection of any kind. The
absorption of this drug into your system can inhibit your
body's ability to fight off infections. You may not be able
to use Pulmicort if you have an infection.
Pulmicort
will not stop an asthma attack that has already started.
It is used to prevent attacks. Do not use Pulmicort to treat
an asthma attack. If you are having an asthma attack that
is not responding to any treatment, seek emergency medical
attention.
Pulmicort is in the FDA pregnancy B. This
means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do
not use this medication without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether Pulmicort
passes into breast milk. Do not use Pulmicort without first
talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should you use Pulmicort Use Pulmicort exactly as directed by your doctor.
Read the information insert included with your inhaler.
If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
If you are
also using a bronchodilator such as albuterol (Proventil,
Ventolin), pirbuterol (Maxair), or bitolterol (Tornalate),
your doctor may want you to use the bronchodilator first,
then use your Pulmicort inhaler. Using the medications in
this order will allow more Pulmicort to reach your lungs.
The Pulmicort Turbuhaler must be primed the first
time it is used. Turn the cover and lift it off while holding
the unit upright. Turn the grip all the way to the right
then all the way to the left until it clicks. Repeat this
procedure. The unit is now primed. You will not have to
prime it again, even if you do not use it for an extended
period of time.
To inhale a dose, hold the unit upright,
turn the cover and lift it off. While still holding the
unit upright, twist the grip all the way to the right and
all the way to the left until it clicks. Do not blow or
exhale into the unit, and do not shake it. Turn your head
away and breathe out fully. Place your lips around the mouthpiece
while holding the unit upright or horizontally. Take a deep,
slow breath. You may not taste, smell, or feel any medicine
when you inhale, however you are receiving a dose. Hold
your breath for several seconds, then exhale slowly. If
more than one dose is required, repeat this process. Replace
the cover on the unit and twist it firmly into place after
each use.
The Pulmicort Respules are intended for
administration with a jet nebulizer (not an ultrasonic nebulizer).
The Pulmicort Respules should not be mixed with any other
nebulizable medications in the nebulizer. Gently shake the
Respule using a circular motion before use.
To reduce
the chance of developing a yeast infection in your mouth,
rinse your mouth with water after a dose of Pulmicort but
do not swallow. Also, if you are using a nebulizer with
a face mask, wash the area of your face covered by the mask.
It is very important that you use your Pulmicort
inhaler or nebulizer properly, so that the medicine gets
into your lungs. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler
or nebulizer use.
Do not use more of this medication
than is prescribed for you, but use it consistently, as
directed, even when you are feeling better. It may be several
weeks before you see effects from Pulmicort. Talk to your
doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Pulmicort will not stop an attack after it has started.
It is used to prevent attacks from occurring. Keep another
medicine on hand to treat attacks.
Seek medical attention
if you notice that you require more than your usual or more
than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour
period. An increased need for medication could be an early
sign of a serious asthma attack.
If you are switching
from an oral steroid (pills or liquid) to Pulmicort, carry
or wear identification that will let others know that you
may require a systemic steroid during a severe asthma attack
or during another traumatic situation. Discuss with your
doctor the precautions necessary when discontinuing an oral
steroid.
There are 200 doses in each Pulmicort Turbuhaler.
A red mark will appear in the top of the dose indicator
window when there are 20 doses of medicine remaining. You
should get your next inhaler at this time. When the red
mark reaches the bottom of the indicator window, the inhaler
is empty and should be thrown away.
Store this medication
at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the
inhaler clean and dry at all times. Do not refrigerate or
freeze the Pulmicort Respules. After opening an aluminum
foil envelope, any unused Pulmicort Respules should be returned
to the envelope to protect them from light. Any individually
opened Respules should be used promptly. The Pulmicort Respules
are good for up to 2 weeks at room temperature, when protected
from light after the envelope has been opened. Record the
date the envelope was opened on the back of the envelope
in the space provided.
If you miss a dose: Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose,
skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do
not use a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: An overdose of this medication is not likely to occur.
If you do think an overdose has occurred, call an emergency
room or poison control center.
Avoid while taking Pulmicort Avoid items or activities that you know are allergens
for you if they make your symptoms worse. Clean areas where dust or pet fur may aggravate your condition.
Avoid
exposing yourself to known sources of infection. Stay away
from people with chicken pox, measles, or any other type
of infection. Your immune system may not be strong enough
to fight off an infection while you are taking Pulmicort.
Possible side effects of Pulmicort Serious side effects from Pulmicort are not likely
to occur. If you experience any of the following serious
side effects, stop using Pulmicort and seek emergency medical
attention or notify your doctor immediately:
- an
allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your
throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- numbness, tingling, or pain;
- a rash or
unexplained open sores or bruising; or
- worsening
respiratory symptoms.
Other, less serious side effects
may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Pulmicort
and talk to your doctor if you experience
- dry mouth,
nose, or throat after use;
- yeast (or another) infection
in the mouth or throat (white patches);
- hoarseness
or deepening of the voice, cough, or sore throat;
-
headache;
- weakness or fatigue;
- weight
loss;
- increased tanning of the skin;
- lightheadedness
or dizziness;
- unpleasant (or loss of) taste or
smell;
- nausea or abdominal pain;
- decreased
growth in children taking large doses;
- increased
pressure in the eyes, glaucoma, or tearing of the eyes;
- cataracts, which may develop after long-term use;
or
- mood changes such as depression, aggression,
irritability, or anxiety (these effects are very rare).
Side effects other than those listed here may also
occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems
unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Pulmicort Before using this medication, tell your doctor and
pharmacist about any other drugs you are taking. The use
of other oral, nasal, or inhaled steroids may increase the
chance of side effects or overdose.
The effects of
Pulmicort may be increased by the antifungal medicine ketoconazole
(Nizoral). If you are using this or another antifungal medication,
talk to your doctor.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Pulmicort
or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist
before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
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