Prescription Pulmicort Respules (value) Drug Information

Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions such as: glaucoma, cataracts, and any illnesses or infections. Inform your doctor of any recent exposure to contagious diseases such as chickenpox and measles. Also, tell your doctor about any allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. This medicine is to be used in a nebulizer or a respirator. Do NOT use this medicine in an ultrasonic nebulizer. OPEN THE ALUMINUM FOIL ENVELOPE and remove one ampule. Record the date that you open the foil on the back of the envelope. Once the foil is open, the unused ampules should be used within 2 weeks. GENTLY SHAKE THE AMPULE then squeeze the contents into the nebulizer. Do not mix this medicine with other medicines in the nebulizer. Connect nebulizer to air pump and begin treatment as directed. Breathe calmly and evenly. When there is no more mist in the nebulizer chamber, the treatment is complete. After each inhalation, rinse your mouth out with water. If a face mask is used, wash face after each dose. AFTER USE, wash reservoir of the nebulizer, mouth piece, and mask according to the manufacturer's directions. Rinse well and dry. ONCE AN AMPULE IS OPENED, use the medicine immediately or discard. CONTINUE TO USE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. STORE THIS MEDICINE in the foil envelope at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) away from heat and light. DO NOT FREEZE. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, use it as soon as possible, then go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT use 2 doses at once. CAUTIONS: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL DAYS for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT STOP an asthma attack. It should help to prevent future breathing problems. If you are having difficulty breathing, use your bronchodilator or call your doctor. IMPORTANT: If you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (such as prednisone tablets) to this medicine within the past 12 months, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids, especially if your body is stressed due to major infections such as stomach infections (gastroenteritis), surgery, or injury. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific advice regarding stress situations. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following signs of low steroid levels: unusual weakness, sudden weight loss, vomiting, fainting, or severe dizziness. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD CHICKENPOX OR MEASLES, avoid contact with anyone who has any of these diseases. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include cough, runny nose, stomachache, and nose bleeds. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience wheezing, sinus infection, ear infection, or white patches in mouth or throat. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience swelling of the face, lips, or tongue; depression; irritability; or personality change. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. If your symptoms do not improve after regular use of this medicine or if your asthma becomes worse, contact your doctor. If you switched from oral corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone tablets) to an inhalation suspension or inhaler within the last 12 months, carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your possible need of supplemental steroids during periods of stress or a severe asthma attack.