Budesonide Inhalation powder

BUDESONIDE (bue DES oh nide) prevents the symptoms of asthma. It works by decreasing inflammation of the airways, making it easier to breathe. It belongs to a group of medications called inhaled steroids. It is often called a controller inhaler. Do not use it to treat a sudden asthma attack.

This medication is inhaled through the mouth. Rinse your mouth with water after use. Make sure not to swallow the water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not use it more often than directed. If you are also using a bronchodilator inhaler, like albuterol, use that inhaler first. Wait 5 minutes or more before using this medication.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Flu-like symptoms—fever, chills, muscle pain, cough, headache, or fatigue
• Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
• Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
• Sinus pain or pressure around the face or forehead
• Thrush—white patches in the mouth
• Wheezing or trouble breathing that is worse after use

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

• Change in taste
• Cough
• Hoarseness
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep inhaler away from extreme heat, cold or humidity. Throw away when the dose counter reads "0" or after the expiration date, whichever is first.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, ask your care team how to get rid of it safely.

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

• Glaucoma
• Immune system problems
• Infection, especially a viral infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes
• Injury of mouth or throat
• Osteoporosis, weak bones
• Receiving steroids like dexamethasone or prednisone
• Recent surgery
• An unusual or allergic reaction to budesonide, steroids, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

This medication may interact with the following:

• Certain antibiotics such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, and telithromycin
• Certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
• Certain medications for fungal infections such as itraconazole and ketoconazole
• Nefazodone

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

NEVER use this drug for an acute asthma attack. You should use your short-acting rescue inhaler for an acute attack. If your symptoms get worse or if you need your short-acting inhalers more often, call your health care provider right away.

You and your health care provider should develop an Asthma Action Plan that is just for you. Be sure to know what to do if you are in the yellow (asthma is getting worse) or red (medical alert) zones.

This drug may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.