Description
Drug Uses
Pulmicort is used for preventing asthma symptoms. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
How Taken
Use Pulmicort as directed by your doctor. You will need to prime a new inhaler before you use it for the first time. Twist the inhaler cover and lift it off. Hold the unit upright (mouthpiece on top) and turn the grip fully to the right, then fully to the left until it clicks. Repeat. Do not reprime the inhaler. You will only need to prime the inhaler once even if you do not use it for a long period of time. The inhaler is now ready for use. To use a dose, twist the inhaler cover and lift it off. Hold the unit upright (mouthpiece on top) and turn the grip fully to the right, then fully to the left until it clicks. Do not shake the inhaler. Turn your head away from the inhaler and breathe out fully. Place the mouthpiece between your lips and inhale forcefully and deeply. You may not feel the medicine. Remove the inhaler from your mouth and breathe out. Do not breathe out through the inhaler. Do not bite or chew the mouthpiece. Replace the mouthpiece cover after each use. Rinse the mouthpiece with water after each use to help prevent mouth or throat infections. Do not swallow the rinse water. Do not use Pulmicort with a spacer.
Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Pulmicort, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Pulmicort, if you have increased pressure in the eye, glaucoma, cataracts, a herpes infection of the eye, a bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection, a viral infection (eg, chickenpox, shingles), diarrhea, measles, tuberculosis, or osteoporosis, have had a positive tuberculosis skin test or have recently been vaccinated, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Pulmicort while you are pregnant. It is not known if Pulmicort is found in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while taking Pulmicort. Some medicines may interact with Pulmicort. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Do not use Pulmicort if you have a severe asthma attack. Use caution if you switch from an oral steroid (eg, prednisone) to Pulmicort. It may take several months for your body to make enough natural steroids to handle events that cause physical stress. Such events may include injury, surgery, infection, loss of blood electrolytes, or a sudden asthma attack. These may be severe and sometimes fatal. Contact your doctor right away if any of these events occur. You may need to take an oral steroid (eg, prednisone) again. Carry a card at all times that says you may need an oral steroid (eg, prednisone) if any of these events occur. Tell your doctor at once if you switch from an oral corticosteroid to this medicine and you notice symptoms such as muscle and joint pain, exhaustion, depression, unusual weakness, or severe or persistent nausea or vomiting. Pulmicort may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills. If you have not had chickenpox, shingles, or measles, avoid contact with anyone who does. Tell your doctor right away if you are exposed to anyone who has these infections. Do not receive a live vaccine (eg, measles, mumps) while you are taking Pulmicort. Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Pulmicort before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. Pulmicort will not stop an asthma attack once it has already started. Be sure to carry a short–acting bronchodilator with you at all times to treat any breathing problems that may occur between doses of Pulmicort (eg, severe or sudden onset of wheezing or shortness of breath). Tell your doctor at once if you notice that your short–acting bronchodilator inhaler does not work as well, if you need to use it often (eg, 4 or more times a day for more than 2 days in a row, more than 1 canister in 8 weeks), or if you have a decrease in your peak flow meter results. Pulmicort may sometimes cause severe breathing problems right after you use a dose. When this problem occurs, it is often after the first use of a new canister or vial. If this happens, use your short–acting bronchodilator and seek medical care at once. Do not use any more doses of Pulmicort unless instructed by your doctor. Pulmicort should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 6 years old, safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed. Children and teenagers may need regular growth checks while they use Pulmicort.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Possible Side Effects
Some of the Possible Side Effects are– Nasal congestion, throat irritation. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately– allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), ear pain or discharge, new or worsening asthma symptoms (eg, increased wheezing), depression, mental or mood changes, severe or persistent diarrhea or stomach pain, shortness of breath after using Pulmicort, signs of infection (eg, fever, chills, or sore throat), vision changes, white patches in the mouth or throat.
Storage
Store Pulmicort at 68 – 77 °F (20 – 25 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Pulmicort out of the reach of children.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately.
More Information
Improvement in asthma control can occur within 24 hours of beginning treatment, the maximum effect of Pulmicort may take as long as 1 to 2 weeks, or longer. If symptoms do not improve within that period of time or if they become worse, contact your health care provider. Pulmicort should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Disclaimer
This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.
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