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Budesonide belongs to the class of medications called corticosteroids. It is used to treat asthma. It helps to control the symptoms of asthma and prevent asthma attacks by reducing the swelling in the airways of the lungs. When used regularly, it will reduce the number and severity of asthma attacks. It will not relieve an asthma attack once it has already started. Regular daily use is important for its effectiveness.
This medication starts to work within 2 hours, but the full effects may not be seen until 1 to 2 weeks.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
100 µg Each inhalation of dry powder delivers 100 µg of micronized budesonide. Nonmedicinal ingredients: No additives or carrier substances are included.
200 µg Each inhalation of dry powder delivers 200 µg of micronized budesonide. Nonmedicinal ingredients: No additives or carrier substances are included.
400 µg Each inhalation of dry powder delivers 400 µg of micronized budesonide. Nonmedicinal ingredients: No additives or carrier substances are included.
Budesonide turbuhaler 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 active or inactive lung tuberculosis
- has an untreated fungal, bacterial, or viral lung infection
- has moderate to severe bronchiectasis (a lung problems where the bronchial tubes are damaged)
- has status asthmaticus (severe, unresponsive asthma)
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- bad taste in mouth after taking the medication
- cough
- dryness of the throat
- headache
- hoarseness
- nausea
- throat irritation
Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- depression
- nervousness
- restlessness
- skin rash
- symptoms of adrenal insufficiency (tiredness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle or joint pain)
- wheezing or difficulty breathing right after inhaling the medication
- white patches in the mouth or throat
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- a severe allergic reaction (e.g., hives; difficulty breathing; or swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
There may be an interaction between budesonide and any of the following:
- echinacea
- itraconacole
- ketoconazole
- leflunomide
- live vaccines (e.g., BCG, yellow fever, measles, mumps, rubella)
- natalizumab
- pimecrolimus
- protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, ritonavir, 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 this medication. 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 this medication.
Asthma control: This medication is not for use 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 this medication or may start you on an oral corticosteroid.
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 this medication, 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 this medication. 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 this medication abruptly. When this medication is stopped, it should be stopped gradually, as directed by your doctor.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor.
Breast-feeding: Budesonide passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children under 6 years of age.
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