When the doctor prescribed PULMICORT FLEXHALER, Sara’s mother had some questions. She wanted to know more about the treatment prescribed for her daughter. Here’s what the doctor told her:

Mom: 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 child 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.

Mom: Should we use PULMICORT FLEXHALER if Sara is having an asthma attack?

Doctor: No, PULMICORT FLEXHALER is a maintenance or controller medication. It is NOT a "rescue" or "reliever" medication and shouldn't be used to treat an acute or sudden asthma attack already in progress.

Mom: 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.

Mom: Can the steroid in PULMICORT FLEXHALER inhibit Sara’s growth?

Doctor: In studies of children treated with budesonide for 2 to 6 years, there was no significant effect on growth. However, the long-term effect of inhaled budesonide on growth is not fully known, so Sara’s growth should be checked regularly.

Mom: Is there anything else I should be aware of with PULMICORT FLEXHALER?

Doctor: Sara should avoid exposure to infections such as chicken pox and measles. If she is 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.