PULMICORT

Drug Name: PULMICORT

PULMICORT DESCRIPTION:
BUDESONIDE - SUSPENSION FOR NEBULIZER (byou-DESS-oh-nide)

PULMICORT SIDE EFFECTS:
Dry or irritated throat, hoarseness or coughing may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. A bad taste in the mouth, headache, nausea, diarrhea, thirst and tiredness have also been reported. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: sore throat, mouth sores, wheezing, behavioral changes, vision changes. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following signs of low steroid levels: unusual weakness, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, fainting, dizziness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE PULMICORT:
PULMICORT: PULMICORT is inhaled into the lungs using a special nebulizer inhaling device. A health care professional will instruct you on the proper use and cleaning of the nebulizer equipment. For best results, follow the instructions closely. To use, remove ampule and shake gently. Hold ampule upright and twist open. Squeeze the prescribed amount into the nebulizer reservoir, add sterile normal saline if directed to do so and shake reservoir gently. Connect it to the mouthpiece or face mask and then connect the air pump. Start therapy at the proper settings. Breathe calmly and evenly until mist stops, usually 10-15 minutes. After each use, wash the nebulizer chamber and mouthpiece in warm tap water using a mild detergent. Rinse well and dry by connecting the nebulizer chamber to the compressor or air inlet. If using a face mask, rinse the mask to prevent skin irritation. Rinse your mouth after each use. Also wash your face if the face mask is used. It is also important to take care of your teeth and gums by practicing good oral hygiene. This will prevent mouth infections that may occur while using PULMICORT. If two inhalations are prescribed, wait at least one minute between inhalations. If you also use a bronchodilator inhaler, use it 3 to 5 minutes before using this inhaler. The bronchodilator will open the airways allowing PULMICORT to reach deeper into the lungs. If using other inhalers, wait several minutes between the use of the inhalers and use this one (the corticosteroid) last. PULMICORT works best if used consistently at even intervals as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, use this more frequently or stop using PULMICORT without first consulting your doctor.

PULMICORT WARNING:
If you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids, especially if your body is stressed due to major infections such as stomach infections (gastroenteritis), surgery, or injury. Deaths have occurred during such stresses, due to low steroid levels. Consult your doctor or pharmacist now for specific advice regarding stress situations; you may need to carry a supply of corticosteroid tablets as a precaution. Routine blood tests may be performed (e.g., morning cortisol levels). Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following signs of low steroid levels: unusual weakness, sudden weight loss, vomiting, fainting or severe dizziness. Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your need for oral corticosteroids during times of stress as noted.

PULMICORT USES:
This is an anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroid) used for the prevention of asthma. It is not used to relieve an asthma attack. If an asthma attack occurs, use other medication as prescribed.

PULMICORT PRECAUTIONS:
Before you use PULMICORT, tell your doctor your medical history including: all illnesses or infections, recent exposures to contagious diseases (e.g., chickenpox), glaucoma, cataracts, allergies (especially drug allergies). If within the past 12 months you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone) to this inhaler, or if you had been using this product in higher-than-usual doses and suddenly stopped using it, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids, especially if your body is stressed due to major infection, surgery or injury. Consult your doctor. If you cough up mucus that has thickened or changed color from clear white to yellow, green, or gray, contact your doctor; these changes may be signs of an infection. Children and teenagers should be monitored for proper growth patterns while using any corticosteroid medicine. PULMICORT should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. PULMICORT may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

PULMICORT DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take especially of: oral corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, other asthma medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

PULMICORT OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

PULMICORT NOTES:
Do not share PULMICORT with others. Inform all your doctors you use (or have used) PULMICORT.

MISSED PULMICORT DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

PULMICORT STORAGE:
Store ampules at room temperature away from light. Ask your pharmacist how soon you must use this after it is opened. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.