Pulmicort

Pulmicort is a highly effective preventer inhaler for asthma. It is available in the form of a Turbohaler which is a dry powder inhaler (DPI).

You use it daily to prevent inflammation and swelling in the airways. This prevents flare-ups and reduces the risk of an asthma attack.

Your doctor will prescribe Pulmicort alongside a blue reliever inhaler like Ventolin.

Pulmicort contains Budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid.

Budesonide works by preventing and reducing inflammation in the airways. This means you are less sensitive to asthma triggers and reduces the risk of an asthma attack.

It works over an extended period, which helps to keep inflammation down throughout the day. This means it is an effective preventative treatment.

However, it means it will not work quickly on sudden flare-ups. Use your reliever inhaler if your symptoms suddenly get worse.

What dose should I take?

Pulmicort Turbohalers are available in 3 doses: 100, 200 and 400mcg. Your prescribing doctor will decide which dose is best for you.

Most people will take 1-2 inhalations twice daily. You should use it once in the morning and once in the evening.

Some people only need to take Pulmicort once daily in the evening. Do not do so unless your doctor has told you to.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue from your next scheduled dose. If you use more than you’re supposed to, you may experience side effects.

A full guide on how to use your inhaler is in the patient information leaflet.

Use your Pulmicort Turbohaler as follows:

1. Unscrew the cover and lift it off.
2. Hold the inhaler upright, with the brown base at the bottom.
3. Turn the red grip as far as it will go in one direction, then twist it in the opposite direction. You should hear a click during the first or second twist - this means the dose is ready to take.
4. Hold your inhaler away from your mouth and breathe out gently (as far as possible).
5. Place the mouthpiece gently between your teeth. Close your lips and breathe in as deeply and hard as possible.
6. Remove the inhaler from your mouth then breathe out gently.
7. Repeat steps 2 - 6 if you need to take a second puff.
8. Rinse your mouth after each use to prevent oral thrush.

It only releases a small amount of medicine. So even if you don’t feel anything, you have taken it successfully if you have followed the instructions.

You should clean your inhaler once weekly with dry tissue. Do not use water.

Like all prescription medicines, Pulmicort may cause side effects. Most common side effects are mild and should go away on their own.

Rarely, you may experience serious side effects.

Some may experience an allergic reaction. Symptoms include swelling, hives or difficulty breathing. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, stop taking the medication and get immediate medical attention.

Another rare side effect is bronchospasm. This causes a sudden tightening of the airways. It can cause difficulty breathing and wheezing after you take the medication. If you experience this, take your reliever medication as soon as possible.

Taking Pulmicort may affect the normal production of steroids in your body. This may increase your risk of certain conditions:

• glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
• cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye)
• growth problems (in children)
• changes in the adrenal gland

Consult with your doctor about changing treatments if you experience any serious or persistent side effects.

Pulmicort is safe to use for most people with asthma or COPD. However, you should not use it if you have an allergy to Budesonide (the active ingredient).

Some people with other medical conditions or take other medicines should speak to their doctor first, such as if you:

• have a lung infection
• have a cold or chest infection
• have or have ever had tuberculosis
• have liver problems
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• take other steroid medicines
• take certain antifungals (e.g. itraconazole or ketaconazole)
• take HIV medicines

If you’re not sure whether any of these apply to you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Pulmicort is available on prescription for COPD and asthma treatment. It will need to be prescribed by your GP or asthma specialist. Once you are stable on it, you can get it on a repeat prescription from your GP or online.