Pulmicort Turbuhaler is an inhaled corticosteroid consisting of budesonide. We carry this medication in both the brand choice and generic alternative in 100mcg, 200mcg, and 400mg!

Pulmicort Turbuhaler is used to control and prevent symptoms of asthma. Asthma is a condition affecting the lungs, due to the airways becoming narrow and swollen and producing excess mucus. When the airways become narrow and extra mucus is being produced, the airflow becomes restricted, making it hard to breath and may trigger symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Pulmicort Turbuhaler are intended to prevent asthma attacks, however, will not treat asthma attack that has already begun.

Pulmicort Turbuhaler is effective at treating asthma because it is able to affect the lungs directly, reducing the irritation and swelling of the airways to allow easier air flow, reducing asthma symptoms.

Follow only the directions given to you by your doctor. Directions can often times be found on the prescription label if you forget. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor first.

Do not shake this product before use, and avoid using a spacer. Hold the device upright when in use. You will lose your dose if you drop or shake the turbuhaler. Inhale the medication by mouth, usually once or twice a day is enough for satisfactory results. Inhale deeply and forcefully when taking the dose. Do not exhale back into the device.

If you have been prescribed two puffs at a single dose, wait 1 minute in between puffs; this applies to you as well if you use other inhalers.

Do not use Pulmicort Turbuhaler (budesonide)

Do not use this medication to treat an acute asthma attack (an asthma attack that has already begun). Do not use this product if you are allergic to budesonide or milk proteins.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

To make sure this medication is right for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had food or drug allergies, liver disease, osteoporosis or low bone mineral density, glaucoma, cataracts, or herpes of the eyes, tuberculosis, or any type of infection caused by bacteria, fungus, virus, or parasites.

Risks

Long term use of this drug may lead to bone loss. The risk of this is higher in those who smoke, do not exercise, lack vitamin D or calcium in the diet, a family history of bone loss, or if you are a woman going through menopause.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You will need to go over the risks and benefits of this drug during pregnancy.

Common side effects of Pulmicort Turbuhaler (budesonide) may include:

runny or stuffy nose, sneezing; red, itchy, and watery eyes; fever, sore throat, cough; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite; nosebleed; or headache, back pain.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Pulmicort Turbuhaler (budesonide) may include:

worsening asthma symptoms; wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medication; white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips; or blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Please note this is not a complete list of side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects; they are not guaranteed. If you do have side effects and they become unmanageable, consult your doctor about alternate medications.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

new infection: fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss; or

low adrenal gland hormones: worsening tiredness or muscle weakness, feeling light-headed, nausea, vomiting.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, you may take it or skip it depending on how soon your next dose is. If your next dose is still over 12 hours away, take the missed dose. If its within 12 hours, skip the miss dose. Do not double up on medication to make up for a miss dose.

Can children use this medication?

Those under 6 years old may have their growth rate affected as a result of taking budesonide. Children should be monitored closely when taking medication and should only be given medication under the recommendation of a doctor.

What should I avoid while using this medication?

During treatment with budesonide (Pulmicort Turbuhaler), you may want to avoid being around other that are sick. This medication may weaken your immune system and allow diseases and infections to develop more easily. Wash your hands often and avoid contact with others.

What other drugs may interact with this one?

Yes. Other drugs that interact with budesonide include antifungal medicine, drugs that weaken the immune system, seizure medicine, or other steroid medicine. This includes ketoconazole, fluticasone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and others.

This is not a complete list of drugs that interact with budesonide (Pulmicort Turbuhaler). For a complete list of drugs that interact with budesonide; consult a health care professional.