PULMICORT (BUDESONIDE) TURBUHALER

The medication Pulmicort is used in adults and children 6 years of age and above for the treatment of asthma, which is caused by inflammation of the airways. It contains the medication Budesonide which belongs to a class of drugs known as glucocorticosteroids. Pulmicort helps to reduce and prevent inflammation in the airways. This medication is not meant to relieve an asthma attack which has already started. Other fast-acting bronchodilators provide rapid relief. If your doctor has prescribed one of these, follow their instructions when you have an acute asthma attack. The dosage of the Pulmicort inhaler is individual. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. They may differ from the information in the leaflet accompanying this medication. It is important that you use the Pulmicort inhaler daily at the intervals recommended by your doctor. Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor. If difficulty in breathing persists, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Pulmicort?

Some of the common side effects of Pulmicort include a cough, dryness, irritation in the throat, thrush (fungal infection) in the mouth, hoarseness, bad taste, headache, nausea, tiredness, thirst, diarrhea, and throat or mouth infections. Some of the serious side effects of Pulmicort include bronchospasm (shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing), and severe allergic reactions. There have been occasional reports of skin reactions like rash, skin bruising, nervousness, restlessness, depression and behavioural disturbances in children. If you develop an infection or a respiratory infection, contact your doctor to see if you can continue taking Pulmicort. These are not all the possible side effects of Pulmicort. In case of any unexpected effect, contact your healthcare professional immediately.

Are there any Precautions and Drug interactions for Pulmicort?

Do not take Pulmicort if you:
• Are allergic to budesonide or any other ingredients in this medication;
• Suffer from untreated infection (fungal, bacterial or viral);
• Suffer from tuberculosis in the respiratory tract;
• This medication should not be used to treat a sudden attack of breathlessness. You will need a different kind of medicine (fast-acting bronchodilator) for treating such kind of attack.

Before taking Pulmicort, inform your doctor if you:
• Suffer from any kind of health problem or have had them in the past;
• Have had lung tuberculosis;
• Any other recent infections or liver problems;
• Have taken steroid medicines in the past several months;
• Have ever had a bad, unusual allergic reaction to budesonide;
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding

All corticosteroid medicines, especially when used for a long time can interfere with the usual growth pattern in growing adolescents. It is recommended that children being treated with steroids including Pulmicort have their height regularly checked by their doctors.
If you see a different doctor, inform him or her that you are using Pulmicort.

Drug interactions

You should always tell your health care professional about any medications that you have been taking or are going to take including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements. Drugs that can interact with Pulmicort include:
• Ritonavir (used to treat HIV/AIDS);
• Antifungals such as ketoconazole, itraconazole

Pulmicort Storage and Safety Information

Pulmicort should be stored at room temperature, at 15-30°C, away from moisture and heat. Always replace the cover after using the inhaler. The medication should be kept in a safe place out of reach of children.