Pulmicort Turbohaler

Pulmicort turbohaler is an asthma inhaler for preventing wheezing, shortness of breath, cough and other asthma symptoms. It belongs to a group of inhalers called steroid inhalers. It contains the corticosteroid budesonide, which reduces inflammation and swelling, making it easier for you to breathe.

The active ingredient budesonide is long-acting, which means the inhaler cannot be used to treat acute symptoms. You must make sure you always have a reliever inhaler at hand in the event of acute symptoms or an asthma attack.

Before you take the first inhalation from a turbohaler, you need to prepare it by taking the following steps:

• Hold the turbohaler upright with the brown base pointing towards the floor. Turn the brown base as far as possible in one direction, then repeat the process by turning it in the opposite direction. Do not hold on to the mouthpiece as you do so. You will hear a clicking noise, which means that you have successfully loaded your inhaler with the correct dose of medicine for one inhalation.
• Breathe out without breathing into your Pulmicort turbohaler and place the mouthpiece between your teeth. You must not bite or chew the mouthpiece.
• Take a deep hard breath.
• Remove the mouthpiece from your mouth and breathe out gently.

To inhale again, repeat these steps in the same order. Once you have taken the last inhalation, put the white lid back on and rinse your mouth. Rinsing your mouth straight after an inhalation helps to prevent side effects. You should clean your inhaler once a week, using a dry tissue (do not use water or detergent).

The medicine in Pulmicort needs to be taken every day in order to provide effective protection from asthma symptoms. Your GP will tell you how often you need to use your inhaler and whether you should take one or two inhalations each time.

You must follow your GP’s instructions carefully. Do not stop using Pulmicort, even if your symptoms improve. Always consult your GP before changing the number of inhalations you take. If your asthma gets better or worse, your GP will assess whether your medication or dosage needs to be changed.

The Pulmicort turbohaler contains:

• Pulmicort Turbohaler 100 - 200 doses which contain 100 micrograms of budesonide each
• Pulmicort Turbohaler 200 - 100 doses which contain 200 micrograms of budesonide each

Stop using Pulmicort if you experience:

• rash, itching or hives
• sudden wheezing after using your inhaler (use a reliever inhaler if this happens)
• bronchospasm and difficulty breathing
• swelling of the face and mouth

Do not use Pulmicort if you are allergic to budesonide.

If you notice any of these symptoms, stop using your medication and seek immediate medical attention.

• mild sore throat
• a hoarse voice
• oral thrush (a fungal infection)
• coughing

Pulmicort turbohaler may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your doctor if you:

• have liver problems
• are taking any medicines to treat fungal infections (for example itraconazole and ketoconazole)
• have a lung or chest infection or a cold
• have or have had tuberculosis
• are taking any medication to treat HIV
• are pregnant or planning to get pregnant
• are breastfeeding
• are taking any other medication containing steroids

For a full list of possible side effects and cautions of using Pulmicort, read the patient leaflet that comes with your medication.