Frequently Asked Questions About Pulmicort Flexhaler

Below are the most frequently asked questions about using Pulmicort Flexhaler as a maintenance treatment for your child’s asthma.

Q: What is Pulmicort Flexhaler?
A: PULMICORT FLEXHALER is prescribed for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children 6 years of age and older. It is an inhaled corticosteroid, which is an anti-inflammatory medicine delivered directly to the airways. When a child has asthma, the linings of his or her airways can become inflamed. When inflamed, the airways are more sensitive to asthma triggers. Exposure to these triggers causes tightening of the muscles around the airways leading to narrowing and asthma symptoms. The inflamed inner lining of the airways is swollen and there is increased mucus which adds to the narrowing of the airways. The anti-inflammatory medicine in PULMICORT FLEXHALER, budesonide, helps to reduce this inflammation over time and reduce asthma symptoms. Back to top
Q: If my child is having an asthma attack, should we use Pulmicort Flexhaler to treat it?
A: No, Pulmicort Flexhaler is a maintenance medication. It is prescribed to help someone with asthma maintain control over his or her asthma symptoms. It is NOT a “rescue” or “reliever” medication and shouldn't be used to treat an acute or sudden asthma attack already in progress. Back to top
Q: Does Pulmicort Flexhaler have side effects?
A: The most commonly reported side effects in clinical trials include inflammation of the nose and throat, nasal congestion, sore throat, nasal allergies, viral upper respiratory tract infection, and thrush in the mouth and throat. Back to top
Q: Can the steroid in Pulmicort Flexhaler inhibit my child’s growth?
A: In studies of children treated with budesonide for two to six years, there was no significant effect on growth. However, the long-term effect of inhaled budesonide on growth is not fully known, so your child’s growth should be checked regularly. Back to top
Q: Is there anything else I should be aware of with Pulmicort Flexhaler?
A: Your child should avoid exposure to infections such as chicken pox and measles. If your child is exposed, you should call his or her doctor immediately to discuss the situation. Back to top If you are switching to Pulmicort Flexhaler from an oral corticosteroid, follow your doctor’s instructions to avoid the serious health risks associated with stopping these medications. Back to top

Created for Kids

There are asthma-controller medicines for children 12 months to 8 years of age. Learn about other treatment options

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PULMICORT FLEXHALER

Important Safety Information

PULMICORT FLEXHALER is not a bronchodilator and should NOT be used to treat an acute asthma attack. If you are switching to PULMICORT FLEXHALER from an oral corticosteroid, follow your doctor's instructions to avoid serious health risks when you stop using oral corticosteroids.

Avoid exposure to infections such as chicken pox and measles. Tell your doctor immediately if exposed. Inhaled corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth rate. The long-term effect on final adult height is unknown.

Rare instances of glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, cataracts have been reported following the inhaled administration of corticosteroids.

PULMICORT FLEXHALER contains small amounts of lactose, which contains trace levels of milk proteins. In patients who have severe milk protein allergy (not those who are lactose intolerant) cough, wheezing, or bronchospasm may occur.

Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all your health conditions, and all medicines you may be taking

As with other inhaled asthma medications, bronchospasm, with an immediate increase in wheezing, may occur after dosing. If bronchospasm occurs following dosing with PULMICORT FLEXHALER, it should be treated immediately with a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator. Treatment with PULMICORT FLEXHALER should be discontinued and alternate therapy instituted.

The most commonly reported side effects in clinical trials include inflammation of the nose and throat, nasal congestion, sore throat, nasal allergies, viral upper respiratory tract infection, and thrush in the mouth and throat.

Approved Use

PULMICORT FLEXHALER (budesonide inhalation powder, 90 mcg & 180 mcg), an inhaled corticosteroid, is used for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children 6 years or older.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information for PULMICORT FLEXHALERPDF.