Pulmicort Nebuamp

Budesonide (for nebulization) should be administered and inhaled from suitable nebulizers (machines that create the inhalation mist). Pulmicort Nebuamp (Budesonide-inh) should not be used with an ultrasonic nebulizer. The dose is individualized and based on the needs and age of the person using the medication.

In general, the usual starting dose for children (3 months to 12 years) is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg twice a day, and the usual starting dose for adults is 1 mg to 2 mg twice a day. Regular daily use is important for its effectiveness.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Pulmicort Nebuamp (Budesonide-inh) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double a dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

The nebulizer chamber should be cleaned after each use. Wash the nebulizer chamber and mouthpiece or face mask in warm tap water using a mild detergent. Rinse it well and dry it by connecting the nebulizer chamber to the compressor or air inlet. Read the nebulizer instructions carefully.

To ensure the proper dosage and administration of the medication, be sure to get instructions from a doctor, pharmacist, or other health professional on the use of Pulmicort Nebuamp (Budesonide-inh) and the nebulizing equipment.

To reduce the risk of thrush infection in the mouth, rinse and gargle with water after inhaling the medication.

Store Pulmicort Nebuamp (Budesonide-inh) at room temperature in an upright position, protect it from light, and keep it out of the reach of children. If you only use half of the contents of an ampule, the remainder must be used within 12 hours of opening. Do not use ampules from a foil envelope that has been opened for 3 months or longer.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause an infection of the mouth or throat, known as thrush; it may cause headaches; it may cause hoarseness; it may alter your sense of taste; it may irritate your throat; it may cause a cough. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

0.25 mg/mL
Each ampule contains budesonide 0.25 mg/mL. Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid, disodium edetate, polysorbate 80, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, and purified water.

0.5 mg/mL
Each ampule contains budesonide 0.5 mg/mL. Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid, disodium edetate, polysorbate 80, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, and purified water.

0.125 mg/mL
Each ampule contains budesonide 0.125 mg/mL. Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid, disodium edetate, polysorbate 80, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, and purified water.

Budesonide (for nebulization) should not be used by anyone who:

• is allergic to budesonide or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• is having an asthma attack, has status asthmaticus (a severe asthma attack), or has moderate to severe Bronchiectasis (a chronic lung problem associated with damaged bronchial tubes)
• currently has or has had pulmonary Tuberculosis in the past that was not treated
• has an untreated fungal, bacterial, or viral chest infection

There may be an interaction between budesonide and any of the following:

• echinacea
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole
• Leflunomide
• live vaccines (e.g., Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Yellow Fever, BCG)
• Natalizumab
• Pimecrolimus
• protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir)
• Tacrolimus

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Pulmicort Nebuamp (Budesonide-inh). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Pulmicort Nebuamp (Budesonide-inh).

Asthma control: Pulmicort Nebuamp (Budesonide-inh) is not to be used as a "reliever" medication. If you start developing an asthma attack, be sure to use your "reliever" medication for rapid relief of your asthma symptoms. Contact your doctor immediately if you find you are using your "reliever" medications (e.g., salbutamol, terbutaline, formoterol) more often or if they are not working as well as they used to. This may mean your asthma is not controlled. Your doctor may want you to temporarily change the dose of Pulmicort Nebuamp (Budesonide-inh) or may start you on an oral corticosteroid.

Bone problems: When used for long periods of time, Pulmicort Nebuamp (Budesonide-inh) may reduce bone density and increase the risk of developing Osteoporosis. Your doctor may monitor for this periodically.

Breathing problems: If you experience wheezing or difficulty breathing right after using Pulmicort Nebuamp (Budesonide-inh), stop using Pulmicort Nebuamp (Budesonide-inh) and use your "reliever" medication (e.g., salbutamol, terbutaline, or formoterol) instead. Contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Eye problems: Pulmicort Nebuamp (Budesonide-inh) may increase the risk of Cataracts, increased pressure in the eye, and Glaucoma when used for long periods of time. Your doctor will monitor you by checking your eyes periodically.

Face irritation: Using a nebulizer with a face mask may cause facial skin irritation. To prevent skin irritation, wash your face after using the face mask or apply a thin layer of petrolatum jelly on your face before using the mask.

Infections: Infections such as Chickenpox and Measles can be more serious in people taking medications such as budesonide. If you are exposed to someone with chickenpox or measles, contact your doctor.

Liver problems: If you have cirrhosis, your doctor may monitor you more closely for side effects.

Oral hygiene: Adequate oral hygiene, such as rinsing your mouth with water after using Pulmicort Nebuamp (Budesonide-inh), helps reduce the chances of developing a yeast infection of the mouth or throat (thrush). If you develop symptoms of thrush, such as white patches in your mouth, contact your doctor.

Steroid medication use: If you have taken or are still taking an oral steroid medication (e.g., Prednisone) during the last several months, consult your doctor before using Pulmicort Nebuamp (Budesonide-inh). In times of stress or during a severe asthma attack, your doctor may want you to start your steroid medication again.

Stopping medication: Do not stop Pulmicort Nebuamp (Budesonide-inh) abruptly. When Pulmicort Nebuamp (Budesonide-inh) is stopped, it should be stopped gradually, as directed by your doctor.

Pregnancy: Pulmicort Nebuamp (Budesonide-inh) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Pulmicort Nebuamp (Budesonide-inh), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Budesonide passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Pulmicort Nebuamp (Budesonide-inh), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

This product is usually inhaled through the mouth. However, there are other ways to administer this product, such as by the nostrils for the treatment of medical conditions affecting the sinuses. Ask your pharmacist to explain the method of administration that applies to you. This medication is typically used twice a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Use it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Using this product may cause throat irritation and coughing. You can avoid these problems by thoroughly rinsing your mouth and gargling after each dose. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up.