Budesonide belongs to a group of medicines called "corticosteroids". It is used to prevent the symptoms of asthma. Corticosteroids reduce the swelling in the airways of your lungs. This helps relieve chest tightness, wheezing and cough so that you can breathe more easily.
This medicine is a preventive asthma medicine which must be used regularly for a certain period of time.
Budesonide may also be used to treat croup (swelling of the windpipe, voice box, and airways to the lungs causing a barking cough, hoarseness of voice, and breathing difficulties) in children.
Use Budesonide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as a suspension for nebulisation or as different types of devices, such as a dry powder inhaler.
The suspension for nebulisation must be used together with a machine known as a jet nebuliser. It converts the suspension into an aerosol mist to be inhaled through a mouthpiece or face mask. Do not use an ultrasonic nebuliser with this medicine.
If you are using a nebuliser mask, make sure that it fits well on your face. Do not allow the nebulising suspension or its mist to enter your eyes. If Budesonide gets into your eyes, flush with clean water immediately. See a doctor quickly if you experience any problems with your eyesight after the suspension or mist enters your eyes.
Make sure you know how to use the specific device or machine you have been given. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use it.
Always rinse your mouth and throat after administering your dose from your inhaler or nebuliser. If you are using a face mask for the nebuliser, also wash your face well after your dose.
Wipe the mouthpiece of the inhaler with a dry tissue to clean it. Do not wash or put any part of your inhaler in water.
Do not share your inhaler, and the mouthpiece or face mask you use for nebulisation with others as it could spread infection.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and response to the medication.
Budesonide must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not use Budesonide to relieve a sudden attack of breathlessness. This medicine cannot relieve an acute asthma attack. Use your fast-acting reliever inhaler prescribed by your doctor to relieve such attacks.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a long-term lung disease that causes airflow obstruction making it hard to breathe)
- eye problems e.g. glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), cataract (clouding of the lens of the eye)
- active or a history of TB (a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- untreated bacterial, fungal, viral or parasitic infections, especially in the airways
- osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones)
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Avoid exposure to anyone who is infected with chickenpox, shingles, or measles. If you are exposed to these infections, contact your doctor immediately.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. test to detect a problem in the pituitary gland), inform your doctor that you are using Budesonide.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. lung function, bone mineral density) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your doctor may need to check the height of your children regularly.
- Regular monitoring for signs of infection or changes in vision may also be needed.
Budesonide may cause any of the following side effects: cough, hoarseness, throat irritation, stuffy nose, and dry mouth.
This medicine may cause creamy white patches or lesions on your tongue and the inside of your mouth. This is a fungal infection known as oral thrush. Rinse your mouth with water after you use this medicine to minimise this problem.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs of allergic reactions e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth or throat
- signs of lung problems e.g. worsening breathing, increasing wheezing, chest tightness
- eye pain, blurred vision or other changes in eyesight
- fever, chills, muscle pain, unusual tiredness or weakness
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience any other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir, cobicistat
- ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
- carbamazepine (medicine for epilepsy [fits or seizures])
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Budesonide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Do not refrigerate or freeze the suspension for nebulisation. Keep it in the original package to protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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