Budesonide inhalation solution

What is this medicine?

BUDESONIDE (bue DES oh nide) is a corticosteroid. It helps 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 used in a nebulizer. Nebulizers make a liquid into an aerosol that you breathe in through your mouth or your mouth and nose into your lungs. You will be taught how to use your nebulizer. Rinse your mouth with water after use. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not mix this medicine with other medicines in your nebulizer. Do not use more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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

• unusual swelling

• white patches or sores in the mouth or throat

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

• headache

• runny nose

• 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

• itraconazole

• ketoconazole

• 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, spacing doses evenly. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at a room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep unopened vials in the foil pouch. When the package has been opened, the shelf life of the unused medicine is 2 weeks when protected from light. Unused medicine should be returned to the aluminum foil envelope right away to protect them from light. 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 the 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 health care professional 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.

The 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.