PULMICORT

Pulmicort respules 1mg/2ml Why do I need this medicine? Budesonide is used to treat asthma.

Budesonide belongs to a group of medicines called "steroids". Steroids reduce the inflammation in the airways of your lungs. This helps to relieve chest tightness, wheezing and cough so that you can breathe more easily.

Budesonide is a preventive asthma medicine which must be used regularly long-term.

Budesonide cannot relieve an acute asthma attack.

How do I use this medicine? Use Budesonide exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Budesonide is available as different types of devices, such as an accuhaler, turbuhaler or inhaler. It is also available as a nebulising solution, to be used with a machine known as a nebuliser.

Make sure you know how to use the specific device or machine you have been given. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use it.

Budesonide must be used exactly as directed for it to work well. Continue using Budesonide even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by your doctor to do so. Your condition may worsen if Budesonide is stopped suddenly. What should I do if I have forgotten to use this medicine? If you miss a dose of Budesonide, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the usual time.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

Remember to use your medicine regularly. Budesonide must be used exactly as directed for it to be effective.

If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know. Can I use this with other medicines? Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially those listed here:

- other asthma medicines
- antifungal medicines such as ketoconazole, itraconazole
- antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin

Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription. How should I store this medicine? Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

When should I not use this medicine? Alert your doctor if you have or ever had tuberculosis (TB), other chest infections or liver disease.

Do not use Budesonide to relieve a sudden attack of breathlessness. Budesonide cannot relieve an acute asthma attack. Use your fast-acting bronchodilator prescribed by your doctor to relieve such attacks. What should I take note of while using this medicine? Alert your doctor if:

- you feel worse or if Budesonide does not seem to give as much relief as before.
- you need more inhalations of your fast-acting bronchodilator daily.
- you frequently wake up breathless at night.

If you are also taking oral steroids, do not stop the oral steroids unless your doctor has specifically told you to do so. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose of your oral steroids when you are using Budesonide inhalation. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery or dental work, inform your doctor or surgeon that you are being treated with Budesonide inhalation. If you have been given a steroid card, carry it with you at all times.

Do not give Budesonide to a child unless specifically instructed by the child's doctor.

Alert your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are using a nebuliser mask, make sure that it fits well on your face. Do not allow the nebulising solution to enter your eyes. If the solution gets into your eyes, flush with clean water immediately. See a doctor quickly if there is pain, discomfort, blurred or abnormal vision after the solution or mist enters your eyes. Are there any restrictions on the type of food I can take? Avoid alcohol.

BUDESONIDE

Budesonide inhalation may cause sore throat, hoarse voice, cough, colds and headache.

It may also cause a yellowish coating on your tongue and the inside of your mouth. This is a fungal infection known as oral thrush. Rinse your mouth with water after you use Budesonide inhalation to minimise this problem.

Alert your doctor if these side effects are severe or if you experience any other side effects.