Pulmicort Patient Counseling Information

Before using Pulmicort Respules, read and follow the instructions carefully.
Important: Pulmicort (budesonide) is a preventative agent and should not be used as sole therapy in the case of an acute asthma attack. If your asthma worsens you should consult your treatment plan or consult your physician.
Caution: The contents of Pulmicort Respules are for inhalation via a nebuliser, and should not be swallowed or injected.
Use only as directed by your physician.
Avoid getting the aerosol in the eyes (we suggest that you use eye goggles).
Wash the face and rinse the mouth out with water after administration of each dose of Pulmicort.
Do not exceed the prescribed dose.
Pulmicort may be nebulised in combination with Bricanyl, Ventolin, Intal, Atrovent or normal saline.
Pulmicort should be added to the nebuliser immediately before use.
Medications for nebulisation should not be mixed in advance.
Warning: Unused, unopened Respules should be discarded 3 months after opening of the foil pack.
During storage Pulmicort Respules should be protected from light by keeping them in the foil envelope.
Instructions for the use of Pulmicort Respules: 1. Prepare the nebuliser for filling.
2. Detach one Pulmicort Respule from the rack by twisting it firmly.
3. Shake the Respule.
4. Twist the top off the Respule.
5. Squeeze the contents into the reservoir of the nebuliser.
Do not dilute the contents unless instructed to do so by your physician.
In some cases, it may be necessary to use only a part of the Respule content to obtain the prescribed dose.
Your physician or pharmacist will advise you accordingly.
6. Use the nebuliser as directed, ensuring that the contents of the reservoir are completely used up.
7. After use, clean your nebuliser in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Also remember to wash your face and rinse your mouth out with water.
After each nebulisation, the mouthpiece or facemask should be rinsed in warm water and dried.
Nebulisers and Pulmicort (budesonide) Respules: For all solutions used in a nebuliser, it is very important that the mist (aerosol) produced is the right size and strength to work correctly in your lungs.
With Pulmicort Respules, this can best be achieved by using a compressed air jet nebuliser which gives an output of at least 6 to 8 litres per minute.
A jet nebuliser creates the aerosol mist for you to inhale by using air pumped via an electric compressor or compressed oxygen from a tank.
Check the instruction manual, or with the manufacturer of your nebuliser to ensure your nebuliser fulfils these requirements.
Note that it is not recommended that the ultrasonic nebuliser is used with Pulmicort Respules.
An ultrasonic nebuliser creates a high frequency signal to produce vibrations in the liquid and to provide a fog of small droplets which can be inhaled. Use of this type of nebuliser may cause your treatment with Pulmicort Respules to be ineffective.
Opened single-dose units should be used within 12 hours.
Sterile single-dose units in a opened envelope should be used within 3 months.
Always keep unopened units in the foil envelope in order to protect from light.