Pulmicort turbohaler (Budesonide)

Pulmicort is a highly effective preventer inhaler for asthma. It is available as a dry powder inhaler (DPI), known as a Turbohaler.

You use it daily to prevent inflammation and swelling in the airways. This prevents flare-ups and reduces the risk of an asthma attack.

Your doctor will prescribe Pulmicort alongside a reliever inhaler.

Pulmicort contains an active ingredient called Budesonide, a corticosteroid.

Budesonide works by preventing and reducing inflammation in the airways, which makes breathing easier. This means you are less sensitive to asthma triggers and reduces the risk of an asthma attack.

The exact way Budesonide works to treat asthma is not fully understood. However, it is proposed to block the release of inflammatory mediators.

A full list of the ingredients found in Pulmicort can be found in the patient information leaflet found in the box with your inhaler.

Preparing the product

If you’re using a brand new Turbohaler, you will need to prepare it before use. Follow the instructions below:

1. Unscrew the cover and lift it off.
2. Hold the inhaler upright with the base at the bottom.
3. Turn the base as far as it will go in one direction. Then turn it back as far as it will go in the other direction. You should hear a click.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3.
5. The Turbohaler is now ready to be used.

Administering your dose

To use your Pulmicort Turbohaler, follow the instructions below:

1. Follow steps 1-3 above to load your dose.
2. Hold the inhaler away from your mouth and exhale gently (as far as is comfortable).
3. Place the mouthpiece in between your teeth and close your lips. Breathe in as deeply and hard as possible through your mouth.
4. Remove the inhaler from your mouth and breathe out away from the inhaler.
5. Repeat steps 2 - 6 if you require a second dose.
6. Place the cover back on the inhaler after use.

When do I take it?

Pulmicort is used as a daily maintenance treatment to control and prevent asthma and COPD symptoms. Always use Pulmicort according to your healthcare provider's instructions. Your doctor will tailor the dose and frequency to your condition and response to treatment.

How long do I use it for?

Pulmicort is usually used as a long-term treatment. You should continue using this medicine daily for it to work well, even if you do not have any symptoms. Keep using Pulmicort unless your doctor advises you to stop.

A Budesonide inhaler does not work straight away. Research shows that your lung function and breathing may improve within 2 days. However, it can take up to 4 weeks for the medicine to have its full effect.

This also means that it will not work quickly to treat sudden asthma flare-ups. This is why it is prescribed with a separate reliever inhaler.

Budesonide works over a long period and helps to keep inflammation down throughout the day. This makes it an effective preventative COPD and asthma treatment.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Pulmicort Turbohalers are available in 3 doses: 100, 200 and 400mcg. Your doctor will decide which dose is best for you.

Pulmicort Turbuhaler doser

The recommended dose is 1 or 2 inhalations, twice a day (in the morning and the evening). However, this may vary depending on the severity of your condition.

Follow the instructions given to you by your doctor.

Using Pulmicort can have many benefits in managing your lung condition, such as the following:

• Reduces airway inflammation, prevents asthma attacks and improves overall respiratory function.
• Using Pulmicort regularly can help prevent symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing.
• Regular use of this medicine can reduce how often patients experience flare-ups. This leads to fewer hospital visits and emergency treatments.
• Pulmicort has a long-acting effect on the airways. Therefore, you only need to use it once or twice daily.

Pulmicort has been proven to be effective in clinical trials involving over 1300 patients. Compared with a placebo, Pulmicort significantly improved lung function, decreased symptoms of asthma, and reduced the need for as-needed relievers.

In a 12-week trial, patients were given either 200mcg or 400mcg of Pulmicort twice a day. Those who took Pulmicort had better FEV1 (lung efficiency) than those who took a placebo.

Speak with your doctor if your symptoms do not ease after using your inhaler for 7 days.

Making some lifestyle changes when using this inhaler is important. This will ensure it is effective and will reduce the chance of experiencing side effects. Examples of lifestyle changes you can make are listed below:

• Use this inhaler daily: this will ensure your condition is managed effectively.
• Set alarms: this will help you remember when to use it.
• Identify and avoid your asthma triggers: allergens including pollen, dust, mould, and pet dander may trigger asthma symptoms.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight: this will reduce the strain on your lungs.

Managing weight

Research shows that obese patients with asthma experience more symptoms and have more frequent and severe flare-ups, reduced response to many asthma medications, and a decreased quality of life. Regular exercise may help to improve your lung function and fitness level.

There are links between being overweight and having problems with your lung health, so it’s important to keep your weight within a healthy range

Silvia Fonda Nutritionist

Who can use it?

Pulmicort is safe to use for most people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). At euroClinix, our doctors are able to prescribe this medicine if you are over 18 years old and eligible for treatment.

Who cannot use it?

Do not use Pulmicort if you are allergic to Budesonide (the active ingredient) or any other added ingredients in this medicine.

If any of the following apply to you, speak to your doctor before using Pulmicort:

• you have a lung infection (e.g. a fungal or viral airway infection)
• you have a cold or chest infection
• you have problems with breathing
• you have or have had tuberculosis
• you have liver problems
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you’re not sure whether any of these apply to you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Inform your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or concerns.

Pulmicort may cause side effects however, not everybody gets them.

Budesonide's side effects may include:

Common side effects

The following side effects may affect up to 1 in 10 people:

• Oral thrush: a fungal infection in the mouth.
• Mild sore throat: slight discomfort in the throat.
• Coughing: a frequent cough.
• Hoarse voice: a change in voice quality due to irritation in the throat.
• Change in taste: an altered sense of taste due to the medicine being administered through the mouth.

Rinse your mouth with water and spit after each use to reduce the risk of developing a fungal infection in the mouth, known as oral thrush.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

Less common side effects

The following side effects may affect up to 1 in 100 people:

• Feeling worried, restless, or nervous
• Depression
• Trembling and shaking
• Cataract (clouding of the lens in the eye)
• Muscle cramps
• Blurred vision

Rare side effects

The following side effects may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people:

• Sleeping problems
• Bruising of the skin
• Loss of voice

Allergic reactions

Some people may experience an allergic reaction to budesonide or any of the other ingredients found in Pulmicort.

Stop taking Pulmicort and speak to a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Swelling of the face, mouth, lips, or tongue
• Skin rash
• Itching or hives
• Difficulty breathing

When should I see a doctor?

There are some rare health events that may occur when using your Pulmicort inhaler, especially after long-term use. Consult your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Bronchospasm: a sudden tightening of the muscles in the airways.
• Glaucoma: increased pressure in the eye.
• Cataracts: clouding of the lens of the eye.
• Slower growth in children: long-term use may slow down the normal growth of children and teenagers.
• Changes in the adrenal gland: an insufficient cortisol response to biological stress could lead to an Addisonian crisis.

These effects are more common with corticosteroid tablets, rather than inhaled corticosteroids. To lower the risk of these effects, your doctor will ensure that you are on the lowest possible dose which still effectively manages your asthma.

NOTE: inappropriate discontinuation of budesonide can lead to an Addisonian crisis (acute adrenal insufficiency). Patients should consult their doctor before discontinuing treatment in this case.

Tell your doctor if you are currently taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes over-the-counter medicines, supplements or herbal products.

Tell your doctor if you take any of the following medicines:

• Steroid medicines
• Certain antifungals: e.g. itraconazole or ketoconazole
• HIV medicines: e.g. ritonavir

These may interact with Pulmicort and increase the risk of experiencing side effects.

What safety advice should be followed when using Pulmicort?

For more information, refer to the safety information table below:

Storage

To store your inhaler, follow these instructions:

1. Do not store above 30°C
2. Ensure the cover is tightly secured when not in use
3. Do not use your medication past the expiry date

To clean your inhaler, wipe the mouthpiece with a clean, dry cloth at least once a week. Never use water to wipe the inhaler as the medicine is sensitive to moisture.

Disposal

To safely throw the medicine away, take it to your nearest pharmacy. Do not flush this medicine down the toilet or throw it in your household waste. Doing so is bad for the environment.

No, Pulmicort is a prescription-only medication, so you can only get it after a doctor has prescribed it.

Why is a prescription necessary?

A prescription for Pulmicort is necessary for the following reasons:

• Ensures appropriate use for your specific condition
• Prevents potential misuse and associated health risks
• Allows monitoring for side effects and interactions with other medications

Yes, ordering Pulmicort through euroClinix is simple and secure. Follow these steps:

1. Start a confidential online questionnaire from the top of this page. It will take about 5-10 minutes to complete.
2. A UK-registered doctor will review your consultation.
3. If approved, the doctor will write a prescription.
4. Your medication will be dispensed in discreet packaging from a licensed UK pharmacy, with quick delivery and tracking information provided.

euroClinix offers ongoing support for any questions. Privacy and security are guaranteed through compliance with the relevant regulatory standards and the use of encrypted transactions.

euroClinix is a trusted online clinic that offers services in several European countries. All consultations and prescriptions are handled by our UK-registered doctors.

The process is convenient with online consultations and discreet home delivery. Our friendly customer service team is always happy to assist with any questions related to our services.

The euroClinix platform is user-friendly for managing prescriptions and reorders securely.

Choosing euroClinix ensures a trusted, professional, and supportive service for the treatment of asthma and COPD.

The price of Pulmicort will depend on the healthcare provider. At euroClinix, we have competitive prices that include free delivery and consultation.

At euroClinix, we stock other steroid-containing inhalers, as well as bronchodilators and inhalers containing a combination of the two. For an overview, refer to the comparison table below:

These inhalers are all to be used as a maintenance treatment for the prevention of symptoms. For fast-acting relief from attacks, your doctor will prescribe an alternative.

What is the difference between different types of inhaler?

There are three different types of inhaler:

1. Dry powder inhalers (DPIs): breath-activated devices that release the medicine as a dry powder. Many people find these easier to use than pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs)
2. Pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs): the medicine is contained in a pressurised canister and released via a propellant when you press down on the inhaler. Unless you use a spacer, you will have to time this with your breathing or the medicine will not be absorbed properly.
3. Soft mist inhalers (SMIs): propellant-free inhalers that release the medicine as a soft mist.

Is there an alternative to an inhaler?

Yes, for severe symptoms, an inhaler may not be effective enough. In this instance, your doctor may prescribe a nebuliser to administer your medication.

A nebuliser is a device that can deliver higher doses of medicine through a face mask or a mouthpiece. This allows for a higher dose to be delivered, however, it is a larger device than an inhaler, meaning it is less portable.

Pulmicort nebulisers are prescribed only when symptoms are severe, and should only be used if it has been prescribed by a healthcare professional. For nebulisers, Pulmicort respules are used, which contain budesonide in liquid form as opposed to the dry powder found in the turbohaler.