Drug
Budesonide
Pronounced
"byou-DESS-oh-nide"
Uses
Budesonide is used to prevent and treat seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms (such as stuffy/runny nose, itchy eyes/nose/throat, sneezing). It is also used to treat growths in the nose (nasal polyps) or to prevent their return after removal by surgery. Budesonide belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing swelling (inflammation) in the nasal passages.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Use this medication in the nose as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. Gently blow your nose before using this drug. Unscrew and lift off the cover. Hold the inhaler upright. Load the inhaler with a dose by turning the grip as far as it will go in one direction and then turning it back as far as it will go in the other direction. Do not shake the inhaler. Breathe out. Place the nasal adapter so the nostril fits snugly around the adapter. Block the other nostril with a finger. Sniff quickly and forcefully. Remove the inhaler from your nostril, then breathe out. Repeat for the other nostril. If more than 1 inhalation has been prescribed, repeat these steps. Always replace the cover properly after using the inhaler.
After the inhaler is loaded, if you accidentally drop, shake, or breathe out into the inhaler, you will lose your dose. If this happens, you should load a new dose and inhale it.
To clean your inhaler, wipe the outside of the nasal adapter once a week with a dry tissue. Do not use water or other liquids. Do not take the inhaler apart.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Younger children may need a smaller dose and help from an adult to use this medication properly. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Do not increase your dose or use it more often than directed.
This medication does not work right away. Some people will feel this medication working within 1 to 2 days, but it may take up to 2 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should also use other medications (such as nose drops/spray, allergy drugs taken by mouth) along with this drug until it takes full effect.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better after 3 weeks or if it gets worse.