Budesonide inhalation powder

What is this medicine?

BUDESONIDE (bue DES oh nide) is a corticosteroid. It helps to decrease inflammation in your lungs. This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of asthma. Never use this medicine for an acute asthma attack.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is inhaled through the mouth. Rinse your mouth with water after use. Make sure not to swallow the water. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not use more often than directed. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask you doctor or health care provider if you have any questions.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• white patches or sores in the mouth or throat

• unusual swelling

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• coughing, hoarseness

• dry mouth

• loss of taste, or unpleasant taste

• stomach upset

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• mifepristone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• cimetidine

• clarithromycin

• erythromycin

• ketoconazole

• grapefruit juice

• itraconazole

• some vaccinations

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store in a dry place at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not get the inhaler wet. Check if your inhaler has a way to show you if the doses are all gone. Throw away your inhaler when it is empty. Do not reuse this inhaler. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bone problems

• glaucoma

• immune system problems

• infection, like chickenpox, tuberculosis, herpes, or fungal infection

• recent surgery or injury of mouth or throat

• taking corticosteroids by mouth

• an unusual or allergic reaction to budesonide, steroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve. If your symptoms get worse or if you need your short-acting inhalers more often, call your doctor right away. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Stay away from people who are sick. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox.