Pulmicort Inhaler (Budesonide)

Pulmicort is used for preventing asthma symptoms. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Pulmicort is an inhaled corticosteroid. It works by decreasing irritation and swelling in the airways, which helps to control or prevent asthma symptoms.

Some medical conditions may interact with Pulmicort. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances (eg, milk protein)
• if you have increased pressure in the eye; glaucoma; cataracts; a herpes infection of the eye; a bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection; a viral infection (eg, chickenpox, shingles); diarrhea; measles; tuberculosis; or osteoporosis
• if you have had a positive tuberculosis skin test or have recently been vaccinated

• Hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills, patches, implants), imidazole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole, itraconazole), or macrolide antibiotics (eg, erythromycin, clarithromycin) because they may increase the risk of Pulmicort's side effects
• Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or rifampin because they may decrease Pulmicort's effectiveness
• Live vaccines or ritodrine because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Pulmicort

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Nasal congestion; throat irritation.

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); depression; ear pain or discharge; mental or mood changes; new or worsening asthma symptoms (eg, increased wheezing); severe or persistent diarrhea or stomach pain; shortness of breath after using Pulmicort Flexhaler Powder; signs of infection (eg, fever, chills, or sore throat); vision changes; white patches in the mouth or throat.

Each inhaler contains about 200 doses. When a red mark appears in the window under the mouthpiece, there are only 20 doses left. The inhaler is empty when the red mark reaches the lower edge of the window. Once empty, discard the inhaler as it cannot be refilled. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., morning cortisol levels) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. Do not share this medication with others. Inform all your doctors you use (or have used) this medication.