Pulmicort Flexhaler (Budesonide)

Do’s

• Before using Pulmicort Flexhaler, read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this medication. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider.
• The dosage of Pulmicort Flexhaler is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. It is usually prescribed to be inhaled once or twice daily as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Inhale the medication by mouth as directed, inhaling deeply and forcefully while using the device. Turn your mouth away from the device to breathe out before inhaling.
• If your prescribed dose is 2 puffs, wait at least one minute between them. If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait at least 1 minute between the use of each medication, and use this drug (the corticosteroid) last.
• To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and oral yeast infections, gargle, rinse your mouth with water, and spit out after each use.
• Keep track of each dose of medication you use. Discard the device after it has delivered the labeled number of doses or when the red mark reaches the bottom of the dose indicator window
• Use this medication regularly at the same time(s) each day to get the most benefit from it.
• Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day (controller drugs) and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs).
• You may notice a benefit within 24 hours of starting this drug. It may take 1 to 2 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Inform your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.

Don’ts

• Do not exhale back into the device.
• Do not swallow the rinse water after washing your mouth.
• Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed.
• If you are regularly taking a different corticosteroid by mouth, do not stop taking it unless directed by your healthcare provider. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your healthcare provider may slowly lower the dose of your old medication after you begin using Pulmicort Flexhaler.

Common Side Effects: 

• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Nausea
• Cough
• Respiratory infections

In adults, more common side effects can also include:

• Chills
• Dryness or soreness of the throat
• Headache
• Hoarseness
• Loss of appetite 

Serious Side Effects: 

• Signs of low adrenal gland hormones such as:
• Worsening tiredness or muscle weakness
• Feeling light-headed
• Nausea
• Vomiting

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and individuals may experience other effects. If you have concerns about the side effects of Pulmicort Flexhaler, consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance and advice.

Pulmicort Flexhaler is not a rescue medicine for asthma attacks. Use only fast-acting inhalation medicine for an attack. Medical attention should be sought if breathing problems worsen quickly or if asthma medications do not seem to be working effectively.

Pulmicort Flexhaler can affect the growth in children, and it may lower the ability to fight infections. Signs of infection, such as ear pain, sore throat, fever, and chills, should be reported to a healthcare provider.

Special precautions should be taken for individuals with severe allergies to milk protein, as Pulmicort Flexhaler contains a small amount of lactose. Symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as cough, wheezing, trouble breathing, or feeling like the throat is closing, should be reported to a healthcare provider.

Pregnant or nursing individuals should consult a healthcare provider before using Pulmicort Flexhaler, as it may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.