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In this Article

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using budesonide nasal (Rhinocort Aqua)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to budesonide.

Before using budesonide, tell your doctor if you have been sick or had an infection of any kind. You may not be able to use budesonide nasal until you are well.

Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease;
• glaucoma or cataracts;
• herpes simplex virus of your eyes;
• tuberculosis or any other infection or illness;
• sores or ulcers inside your nose; or
• if you have recently had injury of or surgery on your nose.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to 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 budesonide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use budesonide nasal without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Steroid medicines can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using budesonide nasal.

How should I use budesonide nasal (Rhinocort Aqua)?

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. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

The usual dose of budesonide nasal is 1 to 4 sprays into each nostril once per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Before using the spray for the first time, you must prime the spray pump. Shake the medicine well and spray 8 test sprays into the air and away from your face. Spray until a fine mist appears. Prime the spray pump any time you have not used your nasal spray for longer than 2 days. If longer than 2 weeks has passed, rinse the applicator and prime with 2 test sprays.

Shake the medicine bottle well just before each use.

It may take up to 2 weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a week of treatment.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects on your nose or sinuses, your doctor may want to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store this medication in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Throw the medication away after you have used 120 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in the bottle.