In this Article

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

What happens if I miss a dose (Pulmicort Flexhaler)?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Pulmicort Flexhaler)?

An overdose of budesonide inhalation is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms. However, long-term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while taking budesonide inhalation (Pulmicort Flexhaler)?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medication.

What other drugs will affect budesonide inhalation (Pulmicort Flexhaler)?

The following drugs can interact with budesonide. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:

• HIV /AIDS medicine such as nelfinavir (Viracept) or ritonavir (Norvir);
• an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin) or erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin);
• an antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral);
• an "SSRI" antidepressant such as fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), or paroxetine (Paxil); or
• a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with budesonide inhalation. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about budesonide inhalation.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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