Your PULMICORT TURBUHALER is both an asthma medication and a
delivery system that is used by adults and children 6 years of
age and older.
PULMICORT TURBUHALER is an inhaled corticosteroid. The
medication in your PULMICORT TURBUHALER works to reduce and
prevent inflammation in your airways and helps manage your
asthma symptoms when used regularly.
Common side effects include respiratory infection, headache,
oral candidiasis (thrush in the mouth), pharyngitis (sore
throat), voice alteration (hoarseness), and sinusitis.
The actual device for the medication is called a TURBUHALER.
PULMICORT TURBUHALER is a simple-to-use delivery system that is
inhalation driven.
"Inhalation driven" means that when you breathe in through
your PULMICORT TURBUHALER, your medication is delivered to your
lungs. Unlike aerosol inhalers, no propellants, such as
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), are necessary to deliver your
medication.
IMPORTANT: If you are switching to PULMICORT TURBUHALER
from an oral corticosteroid, carefully follow your
doctor's/health care provider's instructions regarding the use
of your corticosteroid to avoid serious health risks associated
with stopping the use of oral corticosteroids.
What is the medication in PULMICORT TURBUHALER?
The medication in PULMICORT TURBUHALER is called budesonide,
a synthetic corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are natural
substances found in the body that help fight inflammation.
Corticosteroids are used to treat asthma because they reduce
swelling and irritation in the walls of the small air passages
and ease breathing problems. When inhaled regularly,
corticosteroids also help prevent asthma attacks.
IMPORTANT: If you are switching to PULMICORT TURBUHALER from
an oral corticosteroid, carefully follow your doctor's/health
care provider's instructions regarding the use of your
corticosteroid to avoid serious health risks associated with
stopping the use of oral corticosteroids.
How does the medication in PULMICORT TURBUHALER reach my
lungs?
PULMICORT TURBUHALER uses the airflow created by your breath
when you inhale. Simply by taking a deep and forceful breath,
you get the medication into your lungs.
PULMICORT TURBUHALER is not a bronchodilator and is not
intended to treat acute asthma attacks.
Does PULMICORT TURBUHALER contain CFCs?
No. PULMICORT TURBUHALER does not contain CFCs, other gas
propellants, or lubricants.
How long will it take for my PULMICORT TURBUHALER to work?
Improvement with PULMICORT TURBUHALER can occur within 24
hours. It may, however, take 1 to 2 weeks or longer before you
feel maximum benefit, so it is very important that you use your
PULMICORT TURBUHALER regularly and as directed by your
doctor/health care provider. Do not stop treatment unless told
to do so by your doctor/health care provider. Call your
doctor/health care provider if your symptoms do not improve or
your condition worsens.
Should I keep using my PULMICORT TURBUHALER even when I feel
better?
Yes, it is important to use PULMICORT TURBUHALER every day
even if you feel better because it treats the chronic,
underlying part of your asthma. This is the inflammation--the
"quiet part" of asthma that you may not hear, see, or feel. When
it is left untreated, it can worsen. Your lungs can become more
inflamed and your asthma symptoms and attacks can increase. When
you use PULMICORT TURBUHALER every day, it works to reduce and
prevent your asthma symptoms and flare-ups.
You should keep using your PULMICORT TURBUHALER as instructed
unless your doctor/health care provider tells you otherwise.
Only your doctor/health care provider should instruct you to
stop taking your medication.
Can I use my PULMICORT TURBUHALER to stop an acute asthma
attack?
No. PULMICORT TURBUHALER is not a reliever medication and
should not be used to treat an acute asthma attack. You need to
take your reliever medication (bronchodilator) as prescribed by
your doctor/health care provider. If your attack is not relieved
or gets worse, contact your doctor/health care provider
immediately. Click here for information about reliever
medications.
PULMICORT TURBUHALER is not a bronchodilator and is not
intended to treat acute asthma attacks.
What about side effects?
Common side effects with PULMICORT TURBUHALER include
respiratory infection, headache, oral candidiasis (thrush in the
mouth), pharyngitis (sore throat), voice alteration
(hoarseness), and sinusitis.
Some people who take PULMICORT TURBUHALER may experience
thrush in their throats or mouths. To minimize this, simply
rinse your mouth with water, without swallowing, after each time
you use your medication.
PULMICORT TURBUHALER is not a bronchodilator and is not
intended to treat acute asthma attacks.
IMPORTANT: If you are switching to PULMICORT TURBUHALER from
an oral corticosteroid, carefully follow your doctor's/health
care provider's instructions regarding the use of your
corticosteroid to avoid serious health risks associated with
stopping the use of oral corticosteroids.