Pulmicort Turbohaler

What is the Pulmicort Turbohaler?

The Pulmicort Turbohaler is a type of preventer inhaler used to manage asthma and prevent symptoms from occurring. It is prescribed for patients who need to use their blue reliever inhaler more than twice a week.

How does the Pulmicort Turbohaler work?

The Pulmicort Turbohaler contains corticosteroids which work to control inflammation in response to an irritant. An irritant would be anything that triggers your asthma, such as dust mites, cold air, exercise or per hair. Budesonide is the active ingredient in Pulmicort. When this is inhaled into the lungs it prevents the cells in your lungs from releasing the chemicals that produce a reaction and from becoming inflamed. Regular use of the inhaler keeps your lungs from becoming inflamed and stops asthma symptoms from flaring up. 

Why do I need to use Pulmicort regularly?

Pulmicort needs to be used regularly in order to keep your asthma under control. It reduces inflammation in your lungs to improve your breathing and preventing an asthma attack from occurring. If you stop using it, or do not use it regularly as prescribed, then your lungs are likely to become inflamed again, triggering symptoms like wheezing, coughing, breathlessness and chest tightness. 

Active ingredients

Budesonide is the active ingredient in Pulmicort.

Inactive ingredients

There are no inactive ingredients in Pulmicort. The only inactive ingredient is Budesonide.

How to use the Pulmicort Turbohaler

Before using your inhaler for the first time, carefully read over the instructions provided. When you're ready, unscrew the white cover and hold the inhaler so that the brown base is at the bottom. Each time you use it you'll need to load it with a dose. To do this, turn the brown base as far as it will go in one direction and then again in the opposite direction. Breathe out slowly before placing the mouthpiece between your lips. Breathe in as deeply as you can before removing the inhaler from your mouth and exhaling slowly. 

Pulmicort dosage

The standard dose of Pulmicort is 1-2 puffs twice a day. Always take the dose that has been prescribed to you by your doctor as it will depend on the severity of your symptoms. 

What should I do if I find I’ve used Pulmicort more regularly than I should have?

If you use your Pulmicort inhaler too often or have taken a higher dose than you should have this isn't likely to cause you any harm. It will put you at a higher risk of developing side effects however so speak to your doctor if you are concerned. Always make sure you are using your inhaler as your doctor has prescribed. 

What should I do if I forget to use Pulmicort?

If you forget to use your Pulmicort inhaler then just use it as soon as you remember, unless you are due to take your next dose. You shouldn't take a double dose to make up for a missed one. 

Pulmicort side effects

Common side effects include: 

• Oral thrush
• An irritated throat 
• Coughing 
• Hoarse voice 

Rare side effects can occur after using high doses of steroid inhalers for a long period of time. These include:

• Cataracts
• Glaucoma 
• Osteoporosis 
• Cushing's syndrome 
• Mood changes 
• Slowed growth in children 

Contraindications

Pulmicort is not suitable for: 

• Children under five years of age
• People who are allergic to Budesonide

Extra care should be taken for people who: 

• Have ever experienced tuberculosis of the lungs
• Have a fungal infection of the lungs 
• Who have liver problems

Drug interactions

Certain medications can enhance the level of budesonide in your bloodstream after using your inhaler, making it more likely that you will experience side effects. These medicines include: 

• Ketoconazole
• Voriconazole
• Itraconazole
• Telithromycin
• Clarithromycin 
• Ritonavir 
• Cobicistat 

Always inform your doctor of any other medication you are taking to ensure the combination is safe. This includes herbal supplements or remedies.

How to cope with Pulmicort side effects

Pulmicort can leave a distinctive taste in your mouth if the medicine hits the back of your throat instead going straight into your lungs. Rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after using your inhaler as this can cause thrush. If you find it difficult to use your inhaler correctly then you can use it with a spacer. This makes it easier to inhale and get the medicine directly into the lungs. Avoid smoking while you are being treated for asthma as this can exacerbate your symptoms and irritate the lungs further.   

Pulmicort Turbohaler vs. other preventer inhalers

Pulmicort Turbohaler is a dry powder inhaler. This may make it easier to use than a metered dose inhaler which releases medicine in the form of a mist or spray. This means that each dose is set and all you have to do is click to release it. Which form of inhaler you are prescribed with will depend on the severity of your symptoms and which type of asthma you have.

Are Pulmicort and Qvar the same?

Pulmicort and Qvar are both preventer inhalers containing steroids. While they work in similar ways, Pulmicort contains budesonide as the active ingredient and delivers the medicine as a dry power whereas Qvar contains beclometasone dipropionate and is a metered dose inhaler. This releases the medication as a fine spray or mist. 

Are Pulmicort and Symbicort the same?

Pulmicort and Symbicort both contain the same ingredient, budesonide, and act as preventer inhalers for managing your asthma symptoms. However, Symbicort is a combination inhaler which contains both budesonide and formoterol. It may be prescribed for patients for which Pulmicort alone has not been efficient in managing asthma symptoms, or to treat worsening asthma and COPD. 

Will Pulmicort treat an asthma attack?

Pulmicort cannot be used to treat an asthma attack. It is important that you always keep your blue reliever inhaler with you in case an asthma attack does occur. A Pulmicort inhaler is used only to prevent asthma attacks and keep symptoms under control, whereas your Sambutenol reliever inhaler is used to treat and soothe symptoms when they come on and should be used to treat an asthma attack. 

What does Pulmicort taste like?

When used correctly, Pulmicort should be inhaled directly into the lungs without leaving a taste in your mouth. If you experience an unpleasant taste after using your inhaler this means the medicine has hit the back of your throat or mouth instead of going straight into your lungs. If this happens, rinse your mouth out with water to prevent oral thrush from developing.

Sources

• Patient Information Leaflet
• NHS > Steroid Inhalers
• VeryWellHealth > Symbicort