Budesonide inhaler

About budesonide inhalers

Inhalers are the main treatment for asma. The medicine inside the inhaler goes straight into your airways when you breathe in. This means that your airways and lungs are treated, but little of the medicine gets into the rest of your body.

Budesonide is a preventer inhaler. You must use it regularly every day to prevent your symptoms from developing. Steroids like budesonide work by reducing the inflammation in your airways. When the inflammation has gone, your airways are much less likely to become narrow and cause symptoms such as wheezing.

Budesonide is available on its own in an inhaler, and also in combination with another medicine called formoterol in the brands Symbicort®, Fobumix®, WockAIR® and DuoResp®. As well as being prescribed as preventer treatments, these brands can be prescribed as rescue treatments for sudden breathlessness or wheezing.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using a budesonide inhaler it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding. This is because it is particularly important that your asthma should be well controlled if you are expecting a baby, and your doctor will want to advise you about your care.

• If you have ever had pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).

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• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack and any additional information you are given. These will give you more information about the specific brand of budesonide inhaler you are given, and will also provide you with a full list of side-effects which you could experience.

• Unless you have been told otherwise, use the inhaler twice daily, in the morning and evening. Your doctor will tell you how many puffs to use each time. Try to use it at the same times each day, as this will help you to remember to use it regularly. Make sure you know how to use your inhaler device properly. If you are not sure, ask your nurse, doctor or pharmacist to show you.

• Some people using steroid inhalers find that the back of their throats can become sore. If you rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth after using your inhaler, this is less likely to develop.

• Your doctor may give you a spacer device to use with some budesonide inhalers, particularly if you struggle to co-ordinate breathing in and pressing the inhaler device. This helps to make sure that the medicine travels right into your lungs. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to advise you on using the device.

• Budesonide is a preventer inhaler which needs to be used regularly in order to have an effect. It takes a few days for the steroid in the inhaler to build up its effect. Preventer inhalers like budesonide do not give you immediate relief if you are having an asthma attack - you will need to use a reliever inhaler to ease the symptoms of an attack. (Please note: if you are using Symbicort® or DuoResp®, these inhalers may be used as a 'reliever' in certain circumstances. Your doctor will advise you about this.)

• If after using the inhaler for the first time your breathing becomes worse or you suddenly start to wheeze, please let your doctor know straightaway. Your doctor will want to change the type of inhaler to one more suited to you.

• It is helpful to remember the colour of your inhaler and the brand name. This might be important if you need to see a doctor who does not have your medical records (such as if you are on holiday or if it is outside the normal opening hours of your GP surgery).

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor and asthma clinic. This is so your doctor can review your treatment. If at any time you find that your asthma symptoms are getting worse or that you need to use a reliever inhaler more regularly, contact your doctor or nurse for advice straightaway.

• If you are using a high dose of budesonide, you will also be given a steroid card. You are advised to carry the card with you at all times in case you need any treatment by a doctor who does not have your medical records available.

• Continue to use your budesonide inhaler regularly. Do not stop using it abruptly, as this can make you feel unwell and cause your symptoms to return suddenly.

• Do not smoke. Smoking can cause severe irritation and damage to your lungs. It will make your condition worse and will reduce the beneficial effects of your inhalers.

Along with their useful effects, inhalers like most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with budesonide. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your inhaler. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the inhaler, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

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