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IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

CICLESONIDE (HFA) INHALER - ORAL

(sye-KLES-on-nide)

USES: Ciclesonide is used to prevent and reduce the symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma. Controlling asthma symptoms may decrease time lost from work or school. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing the swelling of the airways in the lungs to make breathing easier.

This medication must be taken regularly to be effective. It does not work immediately and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed. Keep track of how often you need to use your quick-relief inhaler, and tell your doctor. If your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to work as well, if you need to use more than usual of your quick-relief inhaler for 2 or more days in a row, or if you need to use more than one full canister of your quick-relief inhaler over a 2-month period, seek immediate medical attention.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using ciclesonide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. No shaking of the inhaler is necessary before use. If the inhaler is new or has not been used for 1 week or more, prime the inhaler for use by spraying 3 puffs into the air. Remove the cover on the mouthpiece. Breathe out as much as you comfortably can. Place the mouthpiece into your mouth and close your lips tightly around it. While breathing in slowly and deeply, press down on the canister with your finger. After inhaling, try to hold your breath for at least 10 seconds to get this medication into your lungs and allow it to work properly. Clean the mouthpiece once a week with a dry tissue. Do not wet the mouthpiece to clean it.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

A spacer device may be used with this medication if you find it difficult to use this inhaler. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait several minutes between each medication, and use this drug (the corticosteroid) last.

To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and yeast infections in the mouth (thrush), gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each use. Do not swallow the rinse water.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best when used at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not increase your dose, use this inhaler more frequently, or stop using it without first consulting your doctor.

Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens. Ask your doctor what to do if you have worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, or worsening peak flow meter readings. Learn when you can self-medicate and when you should get medical help right away.

You may begin to feel this medication working within 24 hours, but it may take several weeks or longer before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after 1 to 2 weeks or if your condition worsens at any time.