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Pulmicort Turbuhaler (budesonide) is a glucocorticoid used as a preventive treatment for asthma. It is a potent steroid which, when used daily long-term, reduces the frequency and severity of inflammation and bronchospasm associated with asthma. It is not a rescue inhaler and should not be used when an asthma attack is occurring.

The active ingredient in Pulmicort Turbuhaler, budesonide, is faster-acting than similar corticosteroids; most patients notice a reduction in asthma symptoms within the first few days of use, though maximum benefits may not be felt until the medication has been used for several weeks. Other inhaled steroids typically take several weeks before the first improvements are noticed, and may take several months for full effects to be realized.

Treatment Overview

Pulmicort Turbuhaler is considered safe for anyone age 6 and up, though younger patients generally take smaller doses than adults. Use of Pulmicort Turbuhaler is quite similar to other steroidal inhalers:

• Children are typically started on 200 mcg per day.
• Adults are started on 200 to 400 mcg per day.
• Pediatric doses should not exceed 400 mcg per day.
• Adult doses should not exceed 800 mcg per day.

Dosing schedules can vary, but most patients are advised to divide each daily dose into two smaller doses:

• Take one half-dose in the morning and the other in the evening.
• If asthma is well-managed and the daily dose is 400 mcg or less, it may be taken as a single dose in the morning.
• For best results doses should be taken at the same time each day, to maximize presence of the drug in the body.

When Pulmicort Turbuhaler is working as intended, patients will quickly notice a reduction in the frequency of asthma attacks, and less severe attacks when they do happen. Unfortunately not all asthmatics experience improvements from inhaled steroids; to the contrary, the medication has the opposite effect in some individuals. Be alert for symptoms of worsening asthma when treatment starts, and discontinue use if asthma becomes more frequent or severe.

While Taking Pulmicort Turbuhaler

One of the advantages of inhaling the medication, versus ingesting it, is that the majority of its effect is on the airways rather than the entire body. This reduces the risk of serious side effects, particularly when used long-term. However, like other steroid products, use of Pulmicort Turbuhaler causes suppression of the immune system, which leaves patients more susceptible to contracting viral, bacterial, or fungal infections in the airways. For the duration of treatment, patients should:

• Always rinse out the mouth after using the inhaler; this will reduce risk of thrush in the mouth.
• Avoid settings where contagious infections are likely, such as visiting a friend who has flu symptoms.
• Be alert for signs of an infection; increased coughing, sore throat, vomiting and so forth.
• If an infection is suspected, seek prompt medical attention.
• Use of Pulmicort Turbuhaler may need to be suspended until any infections are resolved.

Like any inhaled steroid, Pulmicort Turbuhaler use may also slow healing in the airways. Prior to any medical or dental procedures be sure to notify medical staff that the medication is being taken.

Pulmicort Turbuhaler Side Effects

As previously mentioned, many of the more severe adverse effects associated with glucocorticoid use are not a concern with inhaled versions. The most common side effects associated with this medication are mild and tend to be transient, disappearing entirely as the body adjusts to treatment:

• Cold-like symptoms
• Mild stomach upset
• Headache
• Nosebleed

More serious side effects are unlikely, but warrant medical attention if they do occur:

• Worsening asthma symptoms
• Extreme fatigue or weakness
• Vision changes
• Mood swings
• Unusual hair growth
• Excessive thirst or urination

Treatment with Pulmicort Turbuhaler (or any steroid) should not be stopped abruptly unless it is causing serious adverse reactions. Doing so may exacerbate asthma symptoms and produce other complications. Doses should be gradually tapered down over several days before stopping.