budesonide nasal

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Pronunciation: byoo DEH so nide

Brand: Rhinocort Allergy, Rhinocort Aqua

What is the most important information I should know about budesonide nasal?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is budesonide nasal?

Budesonide is a steroid that reduces inflammation in the body.

Budesonide nasal (for use in the nose) is used to treat stuffy nose, sneezing, and runny nose caused by seasonal or year-round allergies.

Budesonide nasal is also used to keep nasal polyps from coming back after surgery to remove them.

Budesonide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using budesonide nasal?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to budesonide.

To make sure budesonide is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • tuberculosis (now or in the past);
  • a serious bacterial, viral, or fungal infection;
  • liver disease;
  • glaucoma or cataracts;
  • herpes simplex virus of your eyes;
  • a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicines);
  • sores or ulcers inside your nose; or
  • if you have recently had injury of or surgery on your nose.

Budesonide nasal is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Budesonide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Steroid medicines can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using budesonide nasal.

Budesonide nasal is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

How should I use budesonide nasal?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Budesonide nasal is usually given in each nostril once per day. The usual dose is 1 to 4 sprays for adults, and 1 to 2 sprays for children. Carefully follow your doctor's dosing instructions.

Prime the nasal spray before your first use. Shake well and pump 8 test sprays into the air, away from your face. Pump the spray until a fine mist appears. Prime again whenever the inhaler has not been used in longer than 2 days, or if it has been dropped.

Shake the medicine bottle well just before each use.

To use the nasal spray:

  • Blow your nose gently. Keep your head upright and insert the tip of the bottle into one nostril. Press your other nostril closed with your finger. Breathe in quickly and gently spray the medicine into your nose. Then use the spray in your other nostril.
  • Do not blow your nose for at least a few minutes after using the nasal spray.
  • Do not use the nasal spray more than once per day.
  • If the spray gets in your eyes or mouth, rinse with water.
  • If the nasal spray has not been used for longer than 14 days, rinse the applicator and prime with 2 test sprays.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed, even if you feel fine. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using budesonide nasal.

Budesonide can weaken your immune system. Tell your doctor if you have signs of infection such as fever, chills, body aches, vomiting, or feeling tired.

If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Store this medicine in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Throw the medication away after you have used 120 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in the bottle.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

An overdose of budesonide nasal is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. However, long term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using budesonide nasal?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using budesonide.

What are the possible side effects of budesonide nasal?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • severe or ongoing nosebleeds;
  • sores in the nose that won't heal;
  • wheezing, trouble breathing;
  • vision problems; or
  • fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.

Common side effects may include:

  • dry or sore throat, cough;
  • irritation in your nose;
  • pain, swelling, burning, itching, or irritation in your throat;
  • sores or white patches inside or around your nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect budesonide nasal?

Many other drugs may interact with budesonide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about budesonide nasal.


Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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