Do you have difficulty breathing, or as we all know, asthma? At that time, the doctor may have given you a medicine to nebulize. One of the most commonly prescribed and very important medicines is Budesonide. Maybe you are using this, or someone in your family, a small child, is using it. So today, let's talk about this medicine, how to use it correctly, things to be careful about, and possible side effects, in a very simple way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is this medicine called Budesonide?
Budesonide is a medicine that helps prevent and control your asthma symptoms. It works by reducing swelling and inflammation in the airways that lead to your lungs. This allows your airways to widen slightly, making it easier to breathe.
This medicine belongs to a group of medicines called 'inhaled steroids'. It is often called a 'controller' medicine . This means that it is a medicine that is used long-term to keep asthma under control.
One very important thing to remember: This medicine cannot be used for a sudden asthma attack. In such an emergency, a different, fast-acting 'reliever' type of inhaler is given. This is used to prevent the disease from coming on.
Doctors may sometimes prescribe this medication for other conditions. If you have any questions about it, ask your doctor.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you Budesonide, your doctor will want to know your complete health history. This is because some conditions require caution when using this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Health condition or opportunity | Why do you need to tell the doctor? (A simple explanation) |
|---|---|
| Bone problems (e.g. osteoporosis) | Steroid medications can cause bone density to decrease slightly when taken long-term. So if you already have a problem, your doctor should be aware of it. |
| Glaucoma or Cataracts | Although very rare, this medication can affect eye pressure. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor if you have any eye conditions. |
| Immune system weaknesses | Because this medicine reduces the activity of the immune system to some extent, the risk of developing infections may slightly increase. |
| An existing infection (e.g., tuberculosis, chickenpox, fungal infections) | If you already have an infection, using a steroid medication may make the infection worse. So you should definitely tell your doctor about it. |
| Recent surgery or injury to the mouth or throat | It is important to be aware of this medication, as it can affect the wound healing process. |
| If you are taking other steroid pills or injections (Corticosteroids) | This helps the doctor get an idea of the total amount of steroids the body is receiving. |
| Allergy to budesonide or any other medicine or food | If you have had any previous allergies to anything, it is very important to tell your doctor. |
| If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant | Any medication should only be taken during pregnancy on the advice of a doctor. So be sure to inform your doctor about this. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | You should talk to your doctor and make a decision about whether or not the medicine will pass to your baby through breast milk. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This medicine is used to breathe in through a machine called a nebulizer . You will be taught how to use this machine by the hospital or your doctor.
Simply put, a nebulizer turns a liquid medicine (suspension) you are given into an aerosol mist that you can breathe in. You can then inhale the mist into your lungs through a mask or mouthpiece.
The most important things to remember:
- Use exactly as your doctor tells you: Follow the prescribed dosage and frequency exactly. Do not reduce, increase, or stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly: After each nebulization, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and spit it out. This is to prevent the development of oral thrush.
- Do not mix with other medications: Do not mix Budesonide with any other medications in your nebulizer cup without your doctor's advice.
- When giving to young children: Special care may be needed when giving this medicine to children. Talk to your doctor about this.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you suddenly miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
What to do if you take too much medicine (overdose)?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give this medicine to anyone else who has the same symptoms as you.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some other medicines you take may interact with Budesonide. This means that they may change how Budesonide works or increase the risk of side effects. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about all the medicines you take.(Doctor Deepuwa, bought from the pharmacy, traditional medicine, vitamins) Tell your doctor.
Below are some medications that may interact with budesonide:
- Some antibiotics (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin)
- Some antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
- Some medications for fungal infections (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole)
- Some medications for depression, such as Nefazodone
This list is not complete. So it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Other things to consider when taking the medicine
- Regular medical check-ups: Be sure to go to your doctor's appointments. This will allow the doctor to see how the medication is affecting you and whether your symptoms are under control.
- Be aware of symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve, or if they seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor immediately.
- Pay attention to your reliever inhaler: If you are using your blue reliever inhaler more often, it means your asthma is not well controlled. If this happens, see your doctor immediately.
- Protect yourself from infections: This medicine may increase your risk of getting infections. So try to stay away from people who have colds or flu. Tell your doctor if you have been in contact with someone who has chickenpox or measles.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Budesonide can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. Let's break these side effects down into two categories.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Difficulty breathing immediately after nebulization | If wheezing or difficulty breathing increases after inhaling the medicine. |
| A fungal infection in the mouth (Thrush) | White spots on the inside of the mouth or on the tongue (this is why you are told to rinse your mouth after taking the medicine to prevent this). |
| Symptoms of decreased adrenal gland function | Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, dizziness. |
| Fever, cold-like symptoms | Fever, chills, body aches, cough, headache. |
| Other features | Pain, numbness in the limbs, pain or pressure in the sinuses of the face. |
| Usually nothing to worry about (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Sore throat | Feeling a little sore throat after taking the medicine. |
| Voice change (Hoarseness) | Voice becoming hoarse or feeling heavy. |
| Cough | You may experience a slight cough when you first start using the medicine. |
| Runny nose or stuffy nose | Nasal symptoms similar to a cold. |
| Stomach pain | Occasional mild stomach pain. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How do you store and dispose of the medicine?
- Storage:
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Do not store in the fridge or freezer.
- The vial of medicine is contained in an aluminum foil packet. This packet protects the medicine from light until it is opened.
- Once the package is opened, unused ampoules should be used within 2 weeks . Always place the ampoule back in the foil packet and protect it from light.
- Removal:
- Expired or no longer needed medications should be disposed of.
- Ask your doctor about the safest way to remove these.
Take-Home Message
- Budesonide is a 'controller' medicine that prevents asthma symptoms from occurring. It is not a medicine to be given for a sudden asthma attack.
- After each nebulization, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and discard it. This can help prevent fungal infections in the mouth.
- Inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and all other medications you are taking.
- If your symptoms worsen or you find yourself having to use your reliever inhaler more frequently, see your doctor immediately.
- Store medicines properly. Keep them out of reach of children.
💬 Comments (0)
No comments have been posted yet. Add your comment here for the first time.
Add your comment