Budesonide Inhalation Powder 

What is this medicine? 

BUDESONIDE (bue DES oh nide) is a corticosteroid. It helps  to decrease inflammation in your lungs. This medicine is used to treat the symptoms  of asthma. Never use this medicine  for an acute asthma attack.
 
This medicine  may be used for other purposes; ask  your health care provider or  pharmacist if  you have questions. 

What should I tell my health care provider before I take  this medicine? 

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: 

• glaucoma
• infection, like tuberculosis, herpes, or fungal infection 
• liver disease 
• taking corticosteroids by mouth 
• an unusual or allergic reaction to budesonide, steroids,  other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives 
• pregnant  or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use  this medicine? 

This medicine  is inhaled through the mouth.  Follow the directions on your prescription label.  Do not use more often than directed. Make sure that  you are  using your inhaler correctly. Ask you  doctor or health care provider  if you have any questions. 

If you are also using  a bronchodilator inhaler, like albuterol,  use that inhaler first. Wait 5  minutes or more  before using this medicine. 

A patient information sheet for  the product will be given  with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently. 

Talk to  your pediatrician regarding  the use of this medicine  in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years  of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply. 

Overdosage: If  you think  you have taken too much of this medicine contact  a poison control center or emergency room at once. 

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others. 

What may interact with this medicine? 

Do not take this medicine with any of  the following medications: 

• mifepristone

This medicine  may also interact with  the following medications: 

• cimetidine
• clarithromycin 
• erythromycin
• ketoconazole
• grapefruit juice 
• itraconazole 
• some vaccinations 

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all  the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements  you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine. 

What should I watch for while using this medicine? 

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks  on your progress. Check  with your doctor if your symptoms  do not improve. If your symptoms get worse or if you need your short-acting inhalers more often, call your doctor right away.  Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to. 

This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Stay away from people who are sick. Tell your doctor  or health care professional if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox.

What side effects may I notice from receiving  this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: 

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue 
• breathing problems 
• changes in vision 
• white patches or sores in the mouth or throat 
• unusual swelling 

Side effects  that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): 

• coughing, hoarseness 
• dry mouth 
• loss of taste, or unpleasant taste 
• stomach upset 

This list may not describe  all possible side effects. Call  your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 

Where should I keep my medicine? 

Keep out  of the reach  of children. 

Store  in a dry place at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not get  the inhaler wet. Check if  your inhaler has a way to show you if  the doses are all gone. Throw away  your inhaler when it  is empty. Do not reuse  this inhaler. Throw away  any unused medicine after the expiration date. 

Notes: DrJMinor

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EditText of this page (last edited December 24, 2009)