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Proper Use
Inhaled budesonide is used to prevent asthma attacks. It is not used for an attack that has already started. You should use another medicine for an acute asthma attack. If you do not have another medicine to use or if you have any questions about this, check with your doctor .
This medicine is used with a special inhaler and usually comes with patient directions. Read the directions carefully before using this medicine. If you do not understand the directions or you are not sure how to use the inhaler, check with your doctor or pharmacist .
In order for this medicine to help prevent asthma attacks, it must be used every day in regularly spaced doses, as ordered by your doctor. This medicine usually begins to work in about 24 hours, but up to one or two weeks may pass before you feel the full effects .
When you use the inhaler for the first time, it may not deliver the right amount of medicine with the first puff. Before using this medicine, test or prime it. Hold the inhaler so that the white cover points up, then twist the cover and lift it off. Hold the inhaler upright (mouthpiece up) using the brown grip, then twist the middle of the inhaler fully in one direction as far as it will go, and then back again in the other direction. You will hear a click. Repeat this process one more time. You do not have to prime it again after this, even if you have not used it for a long time .
To use the inhaler after it is primed:
- Twist the cover and lift it off.
- To load a dose, hold the inhaler in the upright position, then twist the grip fully in one direction as far as it will go, and then fully back again in the other direction. You will hear a click.
- Turn your head away from the inhaler and breathe out. Do not shake the inhaler.
- Place the mouthpiece between your lips and breathe in deeply and forcefully. You may not taste or feel the medicine.
- Do not chew or bite on the mouthpiece.
- Remove the inhaler from your mouth and breathe out. Do not blow or breathe into the inhaler.
- Repeat these steps if more than one dose is needed.
- When you are finished, place the cover back on the inhaler and twist shut. Rinse your mouth with water and spit out the water. Do not swallow.
- Do not use the inhaler if it has been damaged or if the mouthpiece has become detached .
Do not use a spacer with the Pulmicort Flexhaler™.
Keep the inhaler clean and dry at all times. Follow the patient directions for cleaning and storing the inhaler .
This medicine has a dose indicator that keeps track of how many times you can use the inhaler before you need to open a new one. Check the dose indicator just below the mouthpiece. The dose indicator usually starts with either the number 60 or 120 when full. Discard the whole device when all doses have been used. The number zero will appear in the dose indicator window for the Pulmicort Flexhaler™, or a red mark will appear at the bottom of the window for the Pulmicort Turbuhaler®. You will be given a new inhaler unit each time you refill your prescription .
Do not interrupt or stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping it completely. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is stopped suddenly, which can be dangerous .
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
As of June 2007, the manufacturer is replacing the Pulmicort Turbuhaler® brand of budesonide inhaler with the Pulmicort Flexhaler™. If you are using a Pulmicort Turbuhaler® inhaler and have any questions, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist.
- For inhalation powder:
- For preventing an asthma attack:
- Adults—At first, one or two puffs two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
- Children 6 to 17 years of age—At first, one or two puffs two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
- Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
- For preventing an asthma attack:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
