Indications
Pulmicort Turbuhaler is a dry-powder inhaler medication used to control and prevent asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. It contains a corticosteroid called budesonide, which works by reducing inflammation in the airways.
Pulmicort Turbuhaler is only available with a prescription and is indicated for maintenance treatment of asthma as prophylactic therapy in adult and pediatric patients six years of age and older. The inhaler is an inhalation-driven multi-dose dry powder inhaler that contains only micronized budesonide and is breath-activated.
The medication is also available in a different inhaler device called Pulmicort Flexhaler, which is also used for the maintenance treatment of asthma as prophylactic therapy in adult and pediatric patients six years of age and older.
Use and Dosage
When using Pulmicort Turbuhaler inhaler, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Inhale the medicine by mouth once or twice daily, using the device while holding it upright. Do not shake the device, and do not use a spacer with it. Be careful not to drop or shake the device, or accidentally breathe into it after the dose has been loaded, as this will cause you to lose the dose. Load another dose if this happens. If the inhaler is damaged or if the mouthpiece comes off, discard it, and get a replacement.
The dosage and frequency of use of both Pulmicort Turbuhaler and Pulmicort Flexhaler depend on the patient's age and the severity of their asthma symptoms and should be used according to the prescribing physician's instructions. Inhale deeply and forcefully while using the device and turn your mouth away from the inhaler to breathe out before inhaling. If you need to take 2 puffs, wait for at least one minute between them. In case you are using other inhalers simultaneously, allow at least a 1-minute interval between using each medication, and use Pulmicort Turbuhaler last.
To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and oral yeast infections, rinse your mouth with water, gargle, and spit out after each use, without swallowing the rinse water. Keep track of each dose of medication you use and discard the device after it has delivered the labeled number of doses or when the red mark in the dose indicator window reaches the bottom.
Use the powder regularly to derive the maximum benefit from it and adhere to your prescribed dosages strictly. Do not increase your dose or continue the usage for longer than prescribed, as doing so may increase your risk of side effects without enhancing the recovery process.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide):
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Dry/irritated/sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Nosebleeds
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Voice changes
Serious Side Effects of Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide):
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Increased thirst or urination
- Mental/mood changes (such as depression, mood swings, agitation)
- Muscle weakness or pain
- Puffy face
- Slow wound healing
- Thinning skin
- Unusual hair growth
- Unusual tiredness
- Vision problems
Forms and Strength
Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide) is available in the following forms and strength:
Pulmicort Turbuhaler: Dry Powder Inhaler
- 100 mcg
- 200 mcg
- 400 mcg
Cautions
- Pulmicort Turbuhaler should not be used to treat acute asthma symptoms. Patients should always carry a short-acting beta-agonist inhaler for immediate relief of asthma symptoms.
- Pulmicort Turbuhaler is only indicated for maintenance treatment of asthma and should not be used as a rescue medication.
- Patients with tuberculosis or infections of the respiratory tract should use Pulmicort Turbuhaler with caution, as corticosteroids can worsen or activate these infections.
- Long-term use of inhalation corticosteroids like budesonide may increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, cataracts, or glaucoma, especially in elderly patients.
- Patients should be advised to rinse their mouth with water after each use of the inhaler to minimize the risk of oral thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth.
- Patients should inform their doctor if they experience side effects such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or increased wheezing immediately after using the inhaler.
- Pulmicort Turbuhaler should not be used by patients who are allergic to budesonide or any other components of the inhaler.
- Patients should inform their doctor if they have a history of liver disease, as budesonide is metabolized in the liver.
- Patients with severe liver impairment should use Pulmicort Turbuhaler with caution and may require a dose adjustment.
- The safety and effectiveness of Pulmicort Turbuhaler in children under six years of age have not been established.
- Patients with active or quiescent pulmonary tuberculosis should be treated with anti-tuberculosis therapy before starting treatment with Pulmicort Turbuhaler.
- Patients using Pulmicort Turbuhaler who are also taking ritonavir or cobicistat-containing regimens for HIV should be monitored closely for adrenal cortex suppression.
- Pulmicort Turbuhaler may interact with other medications, so patients should inform their doctor of any other medications they are taking, including prescription, over the counter, and herbal products.
- Patients should not stop using Pulmicort Turbuhaler suddenly without the advice of their doctor, as this may cause withdrawal symptoms or worsening of their asthma symptoms.
- Before starting treatment with Pulmicort Turbuhaler, patients should inform their doctor if they are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Regular monitoring of lung function and glucose levels in the blood may be required while taking budesonide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Pulmicort Turbuhaler a rescue inhaler?
No, Pulmicort Turbuhaler is not a rescue inhaler. It is used as a maintenance medication to prevent asthma attacks.
Can Pulmicort Turbuhaler be used for allergies?
Pulmicort Turbuhaler is not specifically indicated for the treatment of allergies. However, in some cases, it may be prescribed off-label to manage allergy symptoms.
How long does it take for Pulmicort Turbuhaler to work?
It may take several days or even a few weeks to see the full effects of Pulmicort Turbuhaler. You should continue to use it as directed by your healthcare provider, even if you do not feel immediate relief from your symptoms.
How should I store Pulmicort Turbuhaler?
Pulmicort Turbuhaler should be stored at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. You should also keep it in its original packaging until you are ready to use it.
Can Pulmicort Turbuhaler be used with other medications?
Pulmicort Turbuhaler can be used in combination with other asthma medications, such as bronchodilators. However, you should always talk to your doctor before combining any medications.
Resources
- https://www.rxlist.com/pulmicort-turbuhaler-drug.htm
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=54234b7d-3bcc-4809-1881-1d21484856a0
- https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/p/pulmicort.pdf
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6422/pulmicort-turbuhaler-inhalation/details
- https://www.astrazeneca.ca/content/dam/az-ca/downloads/productinformation/pulmicort-turbuhaler-consumer-information-leaflet-en.pdf
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/020441s020lbl.pdf
- https://www.rxlist.com/pulmicort-turbuhaler-drug.htm
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