Pulmicort Turbohaler

Some benefits of Pulmicort include:

• Prevents asthma attacks overtime

Before using Pulmicort, shake the container gently and refer to your prescription to confirm your correct dosage strength. Pulmicort should be inhaled through the mouth once or twice daily, depending on your prescribed amount. Do not consume excessive amount of this medication. If you do not feel any relief, consult your doctor.

As you take this medication, breathe calmly and deeply and inhale until the mist stops for over 5 to 10 minutes. Avoid the contact of medication to your eyes. Once administered, you should rinse your mouth and wash your face to avoid any reactions.

Use Pulmicort regularly to get maximum benefit. Use it at the same time each day to avoid any missed doses. The medicine will take effect within 2 to 8 days of starting but the full benefits may take 4 to 6 weeks to show up.

Your dosage with depend on your prescription given by the doctor. The number of puffs you must take is determined by the strength of your medication.

The typical dosage for adults with asthma aged 18 or older is 180 mcg to 360 mcg inhaled twice daily. The maximum dosage is 720 mcg twice daily. For children aged 6 to 17, the typical dosage is 180 to 360 mcg inhaled twice daily.

Side Effects

Pulmicort has certain side effects on some individuals. These side effects may not occur at all or may be non-serious in most cases.

Some common side effects of Pulmicort include:

• Runny or stuffy nose, sneezing
• Irritation in eyes or red, itchy, watery eyes
• Fever, sore throat, cough;
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
• Nosebleed
• Headache
• Back pain.

If these side effects persist or worsen, you should contact your doctor right away.

Pulmicort may also have some more serious but rare side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:

• Worsening of asthma symptoms
• Wheezing, choking, or other breathing issues
• White patches or sores inside mouth or on lips
• Eye problems such as tunnel vision or blurred vision
• Symptoms of infection
• Signs of low adrenal gland hormones

Since every individual reacts to medicines differently, this is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you notice other side effects not mentioned above, get medical attention and contact your pharmacist or physician for more information.

Warnings

Before taking Pulmicort, you should:

• Discuss your extensive medical history with your doctor especially if you have or have had eye disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, thyroid problems, diabetes, stomach/intestinal problems, osteoporosis, infections, bleeding problems, mental conditions.
• Be aware that Pulmicort is not a rescue medicine and not suitable for treating an active asthma attack. You will still need your fast acting inhaler in case of an asthma attack.
• Discuss the options with your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Precautions

While taking Pulmicort you should follow some precautions such as:

• Wash your hands well and avoid contact with people who have contagious infections. Pulmicort may mask signs of infection.
• Do not get any vaccines or immunizations while you are on Pulmicort as it may decrease effectiveness of vaccines.
• Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or want to breastfeed while on Pulmicort as it passes into breast milk. Discuss the risks and benefits of taking Pulmicort during pregnancy with your doctor.

High-Risk Groups

High-risk groups for Pulmicort include:

• People with kidney or liver disease
• Children
• People with osteoporosis
• People with infections caused by bacteria, virus, fungus or parasite
• People with eye infections such as glaucoma or cataracts
• People with high BP
• People with thyroid problems
• People with mental or mood conditions such as depression, anxiety
• Diabetic people
• People with intestinal problems
• Pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding

Pulmicort is indicated in the treatment of:

• Symptoms of Asthma and asthma attacks