Budesonide (Systemic, Oral Inhalation) Overview

(byoo DES oh nide)

Entocort® EC; Pulmicort Flexhaler™; Pulmicort Respules®

Entocort®; Pulmicort®

Corticosteroid, Inhalant (Oral); Corticosteroid, Systemic

• When switching from an oral steroid to an inhaled one, there can be problems. Symptoms such as weakness, feeling tired, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, inability to think clearly, or low blood sugar may occur. Call healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms. If you have a serious accident and are injured, have surgery, or any type of infection, you may need extra doses of oral steroids. These extra steroids will help your body deal with these stresses. Carry a warning card saying that you may need extra steroids at certain times.

• This medicine does not mix well with many medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

• If you have an allergy to budesonide or any other part of this medicine.

• If you are allergic to milk, talk with healthcare provider.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you are having a breathing attack.

• Budesonide prevents or reduces irritation, inflammation, and swelling.

• It blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing or preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.

• It decreases the body's harmful response to diseases affecting the immune system.

Oral inhalation:

• For inhaling (puffing) only.

• Prime inhaler before first use by twisting brown grip as far as it will go in both directions. Then repeat twisting.

• Check inhaler use with healthcare provider at each visit. Read and follow all instructions provided with inhaler. Using the inhaler the right way is very important.

• Do not use a spacer with the inhaler.

• Rinse out mouth after each use.

• If you are using an inhaled bronchodilator, wait 10 minutes before using this medicine.

Oral capsule:

• Take this medicine in the morning if taking once a day.

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Swallow capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

Nebulizer:

• For inhaling as a liquid (solution) through a special machine (nebulizer) into the lungs.

• Follow directions given by healthcare provider or read the package insert.

• Do not mix other medicines in nebulizer.

• Shake well before use.

• Rinse out mouth after each use.

• Wash face if using a face mask.

• If you are using an inhaled bronchodilator, wait 10 minutes before using this medicine.

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood sugar as directed by healthcare provider.

• If using for asthma, the number of asthma attacks.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Oral capsule:

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from heat.

• Protect powder from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

Oral inhalation:

• Store at room temperature. Throw away after date shown on the inhaler.

• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

Nebulizer:

• Store upright at room temperature. Throw away any unused portion after 2 weeks.

• Protect from light.

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2010-01-20 13:07:07.0

Modified: 2010-03-25 14:09:30.0

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