Do you have asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)? Then your doctor has probably given you an inhaler to use regularly. This is the one that controls your disease, that is, the "Controller Inhaler". Using this correctly and being aware of it is very important for your well-being. So today, let's talk about this inhaler, which is made by combining two medicines called Budesonide and Formoterol.
What is this Budesonide; Formoterol inhaler?
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication.
1. Budesonide: This is a type of steroid . But not the dangerous kind that bodybuilders use. It works by reducing swelling and inflammation in your lungs, which is the airways.
2. Formoterol: This is a type of bronchodilator . This means that it relaxes the muscles around the airways and widens the airways, making it easier to breathe.
When these two are combined, they help control your asthma or COPD condition in the long term and prevent flare-ups.
Very important: This is a "controller inhaler." This means you have to use it every day, at the right time, as your doctor tells you. It's not like the blue "reliever inhaler" you use when you have a sudden attack. It won't provide any relief in an emergency.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before prescribing this inhaler to you, your doctor should be aware of your complete health history. Be sure to tell them about any of the conditions below, especially if you have any.
| Illness or condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Heart disease and blood pressure | If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or an irregular heartbeat. |
| Diabetes | This medicine may slightly increase blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should be aware of this. |
| Eye diseases | If you have conditions like glaucoma , cataracts , or blurred vision. |
| Immune system problems | If you have a weak immune system or have recently been exposed to someone with measles or chickenpox. |
| Other medical conditions | Conditions such as liver disease, osteoporosis , thyroid problems, seizures, or pheochromocytoma . |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
| Allergies | If you have allergies to this medication, other medications, foods, or preservatives. |
How do I use this inhaler correctly?
It is very important to use this correctly. If used incorrectly, the medicine will not go into the lungs properly.
1. Shake well: Be sure to shake the inhaler well before use.
2. Exhale: Before putting the inhaler in your mouth, exhale as calmly as possible.
3. Inhale the medicine: Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece of the inhaler. Now, while pressing the inhaler, take a slow, deep breath in through your mouth.
4. Hold your breath: Take the inhaler out of your mouth and hold your breath for about 5-10 seconds. This helps the medicine settle in your lungs. Then slowly breathe out.
5. Rinse your mouth: This is a very important step . After using the medicine, take some water in your mouth and rinse your mouth thoroughly , then spit it out without swallowing . This can help prevent the development of thrush in the mouth.
Your doctor will tell you exactly how many puffs you should take per day and how many times. Use them exactly as directed. Never use more than the prescribed dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, don't panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take 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 the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once for any reason.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and even herbal products you are taking, as some medications can interact with this inhaler.
| Do not take these with this inhaler. | |
|---|---|
| |
| Talk to your doctor about these things. | |
| Some antibiotics and antifungals | Ex: Clarithromycin, Ketoconazole |
| Some medications for HIV or Hepatitis | Some antiviral drugs |
| Heart disease, high blood pressure medications | For example: Beta-blockers like Atenolol, Metoprolol |
| Antidepressants | Especially MAOI type drugs |
| Other | Diuretics (medicines that remove water from the body), some injections, other steroids such as Prednisone, and grapefruit juice |
Side effects to be aware of when taking medication
Like all medications, this one can have some side effects. Although most of them are not serious, there are some things we should be aware of.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Serious allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Increased thirst while using the inhaler | If you experience difficulty breathing or wheezing after taking the medicine. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, chest pain, dizziness. |
| White fungal growth in the mouth (Thrush) | White patches inside the mouth or on the tongue. |
| Other | High blood pressure, fever, body aches, muscle pain or cramps. |
| Usually not serious, but if it's bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Sore throat, hoarseness | Dry mouth, cough, headache, insomnia. |
When giving this medicine to children
This medicine is sometimes given to children over the age of 6. However, if given in high doses for a long time, the child's growth may be a little slower. Therefore, the doctor will regularly check the child's height and weight.
Take-Home Message
- This is a "controller inhaler." This means it is used every day to prevent asthma attacks. Do not use it for emergency asthma attacks.
- After using the inhaler, be sure to rinse your mouth with water and throw it out . This can help prevent the formation of fungus in the mouth.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects (difficulty breathing, chest pain, allergic reactions), seek medical advice immediately.
- This inhaler is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
- Keep your inhaler out of the reach of children. Keep it away from excessive heat and flame.
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