When the doctor prescribed PULMICORT FLEXHALER, Stephen had some questions. He wanted to know more about the treatment presrcribed for him. Here’s what the doctor told him:
Stephen: What is PULMICORT FLEXHALER?
Doctor: 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 person has asthma, the linings of the airways can become inflamed (red and swollen). The anti-inflammatory medicine in PULMICORT FLEXHALER, budesonide, helps to reduce this inflammation over time.
Stephen: If I have an asthma attack should I use PULMICORT FLEXHALER to treat it?
Doctor: No, PULMICORT FLEXHALER is designed to help control asthma and prevent 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.
Stephen: Does PULMICORT FLEXHALER have side effects?
Doctor: The most commonly reported side effects in clinical trials include inflammation of the nose and throat, nasal congestion, sore throat, nasal allergies and viral upper respiratory tract infection.
Stephen: Is there anything else I should be aware of with PULMICORT FLEXHALER?
Doctor: You should avoid exposure to infections such as chicken pox and measles. If you are exposed you should call me immediately to discuss.
And, If you are switching to PULMICORT FLEXHALER from an oral corticosteroid, follow my instructions to avoid health risks when you stop using oral corticosteroids.