Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide)

Do’s

• Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before starting to use Pulmicort Turbohaler and each time you get a refill. 
• Hold the device upright while using it. If the inhaler device is dropped or shaken, or if you accidentally breathe into the device after the dose has been loaded, you will lose the dose. Load another dose.
• Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once or twice daily.
• Inhale 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.
• The dosage of Pulmicort Turbohaler is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.
• It may take 1 to 2 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Tell your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.

Don’ts

• Do not shake the inhaler and do not use a spacer with it.
• Do not exhale back into the device.
• Do not swallow the rinse water.
• 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 (such as prednisone), do not stop taking it unless directed by your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects:

• Hoarseness or throat irritation
• Coughing
• Headache
• Nausea
• Nasal congestion
• Upper respiratory tract infection

Less Common but Potentially Serious Side Effects:

• Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing
• Worsening of asthma symptoms
• Thrush (oral yeast infection)
• Adrenal insufficiency (symptoms may include tiredness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure)

Consult with your healthcare provider if you experience any of these side effects or if your symptoms worsen. They can provide further guidance and determine the best course of action.

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. For more detailed information and a comprehensive list of potential side effects, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist or consult with your healthcare provider.

If you are using a high dose of Pulmicort Turbohaler, your healthcare provider may ask you to carry a steroid warning card. This card explains to others about your medication.

To minimize the systemic effects of orally inhaled corticosteroids, including Pulmicort Turbohaler, each patient should be titrated to their lowest effective dose.

The potential for acute toxic effects following an overdose of Pulmicort Turbohaler is low. However, if used at excessive doses for prolonged periods, systemic corticosteroid effects such as hypercorticism may occur.

Prolonged treatment with Pulmicort Turbohaler may potentially affect growth velocity. The benefits obtained and the risks associated with alternative therapies should be weighed against the potential effects on growth.

This is not an exhaustive list of warnings and precautions. For more detailed information, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist or consult with your healthcare provider.