Brand Names: AeroBid, AeroBid-M

Generic Name: flunisolide inhalation (Pronunciation: flew NISS oh lide)

• What is flunisolide inhalation (Aerobid, Aerobid M)?
• What are the possible side effects of flunisolide inhalation (Aerobid, Aerobid M)?
• What is the most important information I should know about flunisolide inhalation (Aerobid, Aerobid M)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using flunisolide inhalation (Aerobid, Aerobid M)?
• How should I use flunisolide inhalation (Aerobid, Aerobid M)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Aerobid, Aerobid M)?
• What happens if I overdose (Aerobid, Aerobid M)?
• What should I avoid while using flunisolide inhalation (Aerobid, Aerobid M)?
• What other drugs will affect flunisolide inhalation (Aerobid, Aerobid M)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is flunisolide inhalation (Aerobid, Aerobid M)?

Flunisolide is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Flunisolide inhalation is used to prevent asthma attacks. It will not treat an asthma attack that has already begun.

Flunisolide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of flunisolide inhalation (Aerobid, Aerobid M)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• weakness, tired feeling, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss;
• fast or pounding heartbeats, pain or fluttering in your chest;
• wheezing or breathing problems after using this medication;
• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist);
• worsening asthma symptoms.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach;
• headache, dizziness;
• dryness in your mouth, nose, or throat;
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat, cough; or
• hoarseness or deepened voice.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Aerobid, Aerobid M (flunisolide inhaler) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about flunisolide inhalation (Aerobid, Aerobid M)?

Contact your doctor if your asthma symptoms do not improve after using flunisolide inhalation for 4 weeks.

Seek medical attention if you think any of your asthma medications are not working as well as usual. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack. Your dosage needs may also change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently had an asthma attack.

If you were switched from an oral (taken by mouth) steroid to flunisolide inhalation, you may need to go back to taking the oral medicine if you are under stress or have an asthma attack or other medical emergency. Carry an identification card or wear a medical alert ID to let others know that you may need an oral steroid in an emergency.