Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

BUDESONIDE - SUSPENSION FOR NEBULIZER

(byou-DESS-oh-nide)

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.

How To Use

This medication 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 this medication. 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 this medication 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. This medication works best if used consistently at even intervals as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, use this more frequently or stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor.

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.

Precautions

Before you use this drug, 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. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Based on information for similar drugs, budesonide may pass into breast milk. Therefore, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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.

Overdose

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

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. Inform all your doctors you use (or have used) this medication.

Missed 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.

Storage

Store ampules at room temperature away from light. Ask your pharmacist how soon you must use this after it is opened.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).