Asthma and Allergy Resources
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Although they are the cornerstone of allergy treatment, avoidance measures are not always enough to manage all of the symptoms. When the symptoms of nasal allergies are mild or intermittent, antihistamines with or without decongestants can help. Very often, some relief can be found in taking over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and this is usually the first step an allergy sufferer will take. Self-medication, though, is frequently inadequate since OTC drugs cannot adequately treat the inflammation that develops in the nose. At this stage, anti-inflammatory medications are required, usually in the form of intra- nasal steroid sprays (sprayed into the nose).
The combination of an antihistamine (with or without a decongestant) and a topical nasal steroid spray will usually afford good relief with minimal side effects. The addition of ipratropium bromide nasal spray (Atrovent - an anticholinergic medication) is also very effec...
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have been sick or had an infection of any kind (especially tuberculosis). You may not be able to use triamcinolone inhalation until you are well.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether triamcinolone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use triamcinolone inhalation without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Triamcinolone can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 5 years old.
Long-term use of steroids may lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke, if you do not exercise, if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or if you have a family history of osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about your risk of osteoporosis.
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Triamcinolone comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Do not use triamcinolone inhalation to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use another, faster-acting inhalation medication to treat an asthma attack.
To reduce the chance of developing a yeast infection in your mouth, rinse with water after using triamcinolone inhalation. Do not swallow.
Asthma is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.
It is important to use triamcinolone inhalation regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Contact your doctor if your asthma symptoms do not improve after using triamcinolone inhalation for 2 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 triamcinolone 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.
Store triamcinolone inhalation at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine canister away from high heat, such as open flame or in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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