Pulmicort

What is Pulmicort?

Pulmicort is a type of inhaler called a 'turbohaler', which works to reduce the risk of asthma symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.

Asthma is a common chronic respiratory condition. It produces breathing difficulties and causes coughing, wheezing, a tight chest and shortness of breath. This is because your airways narrow and swell, which affects how air reaches your lungs. Extra mucus can also be produced which narrows the airways more. Some people only experience minor problems, but others can experience major and life-threatening problems. Symptoms can occur randomly or when you're exposed to certain triggers such as allergies, exercise, infections, pollution, smoke and cold air.

Asthma can’t be cured but there are effective ways to treat the symptoms. In children, it can sometimes improve but then return as an adult. With treatment, you can lead a normal life and carry out day to day activities without any significant problems.

Pulmicort is a way of controlling and preventing asthma symptoms. This type of inhaler is different to traditional inhalers, as you don’t have to press a button to use it. Because it's a 'preventer' medication, you'll take it regularly every day (and not on-demand).

In clinical trials, budesonide (the active ingredient in Pulmicort) has been shown to improve lung function within a few hours of a single dose. But it can take up to four weeks of continuous use for it to have the 'maximum benefit'.

How does Pulmicort work?

Pulmicort contains the active ingredient budesonide. This is a type of corticosteroid medication, which is commonly used to treat asthma. It works by blocking chemicals that are released by the immune system when you’re impacted by an asthma trigger. It will reduce inflammation and risk. It also prevents mucus from being created.

Asthma affects more than 300 million people worldwide. For children, asthma tends to affect boys more, but as adults, it’s more common in women. It can be hereditary, particularly if your family has a history of allergies or smoking.

You can use Pulmicort one to two times a day, taking one to two puffs each time. It’s a maintenance treatment, which means that it works when taken consistently over time to control symptoms. It won’t work when you’re experiencing a sudden asthma attack, so you’ll need a separate rescue treatment for this.

What doses of Pulmicort are there?

Pulmicort is available in three different doses: 100mcg, 200mcg and 400mcg. The dose you take will depend on the severity of your condition and your symptoms. Our clinician will advise which dose is suitable for you. You should make sure to follow the dosage that you have been given.

Patients also find that asthma can change over time, which means treatment will need to be adjusted.

How to use Pulmicort

• Take the protective cover off and shake the container well before use.
• For the first use, you’ll need to prime the medication, the information leaflet will detail how to do this.
• Ensure that you’re using the correct strength based on your needs.
• Inhale the medication by mouth, and hold your breath for a few seconds before exhaling.
• Use once or twice a day as indicated by your doctor, this is usually once in the morning and once in the evening.
• Use the medication at the same time each day to avoid forgetting to take it.
• Adults should supervise children using Pulmicort.
• Avoid getting this medication in your eyes.
• It is recommended to rinse your mouth with water after using Pulmicort, to avoid dry mouth or oral yeast infections.
• Make sure not to mix budesonide suspension with other medications in the nebulizer.
• Ensure that our clinician has informed you of what to do if your symptoms worsen.
• If you have sudden difficulty breathing seek medical help immediately.
  Make sure that you store Pulmicort at room temperature, away from moisture, light and heat.
• Cover the inhaler when you finish using it.
• Don’t use this treatment during a sudden asthma attack.
• Tell our clinician if you experience concerning side effects, if you have any other medical conditions or if you plan to become pregnant.

How long does it take Pulmicort to work?

The length of time it can take for Pulmicort to work will depend on you, your condition and your dose. It should usually start to prevent symptoms within the first 24 hours of use. It can take up to four to six weeks for inflammation to reduce and for the full benefits to be experienced. Make sure that you’re using the treatment consistently for it to be effective in controlling symptoms. This means that you might still experience asthma attacks, but less frequently.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Pulmicort?

It’s important to follow the instructions given by our clinician. If you forget to take Pulmicort, then you can take this dose straight away, provided it isn’t shortly before your next dose is due. In this case, skip the missed dose.

You might find that you don’t feel the medication going into your lungs when you’re using the inhaler, but it usually does. So make sure that you don’t repeat the dose even if you think the treatment hasn’t reached your lungs.

If you find that you’ve taken too much, but aren’t experiencing any abnormal side effects then it's unlikely that you'll need to see a doctor. The main effect is that it suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function, which is your body’s stress response system. But if you do feel unwell, you should seek medical assistance.