Budecort (Budesonide 200mcg) Inhaler

Budecort general information

What is Budecort used for?

Budecort Inhaler 200mcg is an inhaled medication for long-term maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children, including management of chronic asthma, preventing exacerbations of asthma and exercise-induced asthma, and to prevent but not treat asthma attack.  Budecort Inhaler 200mcg is also used for severe asthma to help reduce the need for oral corticorsteroids.  Budecort Inhaler 200mcg is known as a “preventer” asthma medication and is used regularly as part of an asthma management plan, which may also include a “reliever” or “rescue” medication, for use when needed.  Budecort Inhaler 200mcg controls underlying inflammation of the airways and reduces sensitivity to allergens or irritants in the air, improving lung function and reducing symptoms of asthma, including, wheezing, cough tightness of the chest and shortness of breath. 

How does Budecort work?

Budecort Inhaler 200mcg contain budesonide, a corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory activity, used to reduce inflammation of the airways in asthma.  Budesonide in Budecort Inhaler 200mcg acts directly on the airway walls to block inflammatory reactions by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals like cytokines, prostaglandins and leukotrienes.  These are released in the airways in response to asthma triggers, such as an allergens or irritants in the air.  Inflammation is one of the underlying causes of asthma along with bronchospasm, which is constriction (narrowing of the bronchioles (small airways).  Budesonide in Budecort Inhaler 200mcg reduces the swelling and inflammation in the airways, which helps to prevent symptoms of asthma like wheezing, cough, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath.  It does not relieve bronchospasm which happens during an asthma attack; this needs a bronchodilator “reliever” medication to open the airways.  Inhaled budesonide in Budecort Inhaler 200mcg is an effective topical anti-inflammatory corticosteroid, with minimal systemic effect, due to its potent local effect on the airways and short half-life. 

What does Budecort contain?

Budecort Inhaler 200mcg contains the active ingredient budesonide, corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory, used as an asthma prevention medication.  It also contains the non-CFC propellant norflurane (also known as HFA 134a or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), which delivers 200mcg budesonide as an aerosol into your lungs each time you actuate (press down) your inhaler.  Each inhaler contains at least 200 actuations.

Treating asthma with Budecort

Budecort Inhaler 200mcg contain budesonide, a corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory activity, used as an inhaled medication for long-term maintenance treatment of asthma, including management of chronic asthma, preventing exacerbations of asthma and exercise-induced asthma, and to prevent but not treat asthma attack.  Budesonide in Budecort Inhaler 200mcg acts directly on the airway walls to block inflammatory reactions by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals like cytokines, prostaglandins and leukotrienes.  These are released in the airways in response to asthma triggers, such as an allergens or irritants in the air; also in response to viral infection.  Inflammation is one of the underlying causes of asthma along with bronchospasm, which is constriction (narrowing of the bronchioles (small airways).  Budesonide in Budecort Inhaler 200mcg reduces the swelling and inflammation in the airways, which helps to prevent symptoms of asthma like wheezing, cough, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath.  It does not relieve bronchospasm which happens during an asthma attack; this needs a bronchodilator “reliever” medication to open the airways. 

What are the side effects of Budecort?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Budecort Inhaler 200mcg include sore throat or tongue, difficulty swallowing, candida infection (thrush), hoarseness, cough, throat irritation.

When should Budecort not be used?

You should not use Budecort Inhaler 200mcg if you:

• are allergic to budesonide or any ingredients in Budecort
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• currently have an infection, as Budecort may hide some of the signs of infection
• are taking medicines that interact with Budecort like ritonavir for HIV infection, and the antifungal drug ketoconazole and itraconazole, the antibiotic clarithromycin, which increase exposure to Budecort.

What are the health risks of Budecort?

Long term use of Inhaler 200mcg may cause the adrenal glands, which produce endogenous (naturally occurring) corticosteroids, to stop working efficiently.  This may slow down the growth rate in children and will need regular monitoring.  Budecort Inhaler 200mcg may also cause decreased bone mineral density if used for long periods.

How should Budecort be taken?

You should take your Budecort Inhaler 200mcg twice daily morning and evening, taking two inhalations (puffs) at each dose.  The dose of Budecort Inhaler 200mcg you take depends on the severity of your asthma and your age and should be as recommended by your doctor.  This dose may be increased during periods of severe asthma.  You should continue to take your Budecort Inhaler 200mcg for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be long term as Budecort Inhaler 200mcg is intended as a long-term medication and you should not stop taking your Budecort Inhaler 200mcg even if you feel better. 

How long should you take Budecort?

You should continue to take your Budecort Inhaler 200mcg for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be long term as Budecort Inhaler 200mcg is intended as a long-term medication and you should not stop taking your Budecort Inhaler 200mcg even if you feel better.

Missed dose of Budecort

If you miss a dose of Budecort Inhaler 200mcg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Budecort be stored?

You should store your Budecort Inhaler 200mcg below 25°C in a cool dry place and protect from light and moisture.