budesonide

Don't use Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide) if you're experiencing an asthma attack because this medication won't provide immediate relief. Use a rescue inhaler, such as albuterol (Ventolin HFA), if you're having trouble breathing.

If you're using your rescue inhaler more often than usual, let your pulmonologist know because this could be a sign that your condition is getting worse. Don't use more doses of Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide) than recommended because this won't improve your breathing. Rather, this can raise your risk for serious side effects, such as heart problems, tremors, and dizziness.

• Risk factors: Not rinsing and spitting after using Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide) | Weakened immune system from medical conditions or medications

Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide), like all inhaled steroids, can cause a fungal infection in your mouth and throat called thrush. To lower your risk for thrush, rinse your mouth with water and spit after each inhalation of Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide). If you develop thrush, your pulmonologist might prescribe you a medication to treat this infection and ask you to temporarily stop using Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide). Let your pulmonologist know if you notice symptoms of thrush, such as white patches in your mouth, cotton-like feeling in your mouth, pain while eating or swallowing, or loss of taste.

Inhaled medications, including Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide), can sometimes cause a muscle spasm in your lungs. This can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort. If you have a hard time breathing after inhaling Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide), use your rescue inhaler and get medical attention right away.

Like all corticosteroid-containing medications, Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide) can weaken your immune system and raise your risk for infections, including upper respiratory infections and pneumonia. Your risk for infections is higher if you're also taking other medications that also weaken your immune system. If you're currently being treated for a serious infection, such as tuberculosis, let your pulmonologist know. They might need to consider a different medication for your condition until you get better. Let your pulmonologist or primary care provider know right away if you have symptoms of infections, such as fever, chills, or body aches.

• Risk factors: Using Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide) for a long time | Using too much Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide)

Use Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide) only as directed. Don't use more than the maximum number of inhalations each day. Doing so can cause more steroids to be absorbed into the body and raise your risk for symptoms of too much stress hormones, such as higher blood sugar or blood pressure.

On the other hand, if you're transitioning to Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide) from oral steroids, you might experience symptoms of low steroid hormone, such as stomach pain, loss of appetite, and nausea. When you transition to Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide), your pulmonologist will work with you to lower your dose of oral steroids slowly over time to prevent these side effects.

Children who use inhaled steroids, like Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide), might experience a delay in growth. To lower the risk of growth problems, your child's pulmonologist will only prescribe the lowest dose needed to help their condition. Your child's care team will check your child's growth regularly while your child is using this medication. If you're concerned about how Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide) might affect your child's growth, discuss with your child's pulmonologist to see if this medication is right for them.

• Risk factors: Older age | Bed rest for a long time | Family members who have osteoporosis | Females who've gone through menopause | Using tobacco

People who use inhaled steroids, like Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide), have reported lower bone mineral density (BMD) over time. It's unclear whether this leads to higher risk of bone fractures. But you're more likely to experience a fracture if you're an older adult, have family members who have osteoporosis, or are taking other medications that raise the risk of fractures.

• Risk factors: History of glaucoma or cataracts

Although rare, people using inhaled steroids over a long period of time have reported having higher pressure in the eyes, glaucoma, and cataracts. Talk to your optometrist before using Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide) if you have glaucoma or cataracts because they might ask you to come in more often for eye exams. Also speak with them if you notice any changes to your vision while using the medication.

• Risk factors: Allergy to milk proteins (lactose)

Allergic reactions to Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide) are possible. These reactions can include life-threatening facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Get medical attention right away if you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after you use Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide).