Biology Disease
Drugs and Medicines

Drug Name Flunisolide inhalation

Flunisolide inhalation Drug Category FLUNISOLIDE - INHALATION

Flunisolide inhalation Drug Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. FLUNISOLIDE - INHALATION (flew-NISS-oh-lide) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aerobid WARNING: If you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone tablets) to this inhaler 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. Deaths have occurred during such stresses, due to low steroid levels. Consult your doctor or pharmacist now for specific advice regarding stress situations; you may need to carry a supply of corticosteroid tablets as a precaution. Routine blood tests may be performed (e.g., morning cortisol levels). 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. Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your need for oral corticosteroids during times of stress as noted. USES: This medication is a corticosteroid which acts in the lungs to reduce inflammation. It is used in the treatment of chronic asthma. HOW TO USE: This medication is inhaled into the lungs using a special inhaler device. To use the inhaler, shake the canister for a minute. Take a drink of water to moisten the throat. Place the inhaler mouthpiece into your mouth over the tongue. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Tilt your head back slightly. Depress the inhaler while taking a slow deep breath for 5 seconds. Hold your breath for 10 seconds to enable the drug to penetrate the lungs. Slowly breathe out. If two inhalations are prescribed, wait at least one minute between inhalations. If using other inhalers, wait several minutes between the use of the inhalers and use this one (the corticosteroid) last. To prevent dry mouth and hoarseness, rinse your mouth after each use. Do not swallow the rinse solution. It is recommended you use a spacer/holding chamber. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about this. This medication is best used at even intervals throughout the day and night. It is usually used once in the morning and evening. Do not increase your dose, use this more frequently or stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor. SIDE EFFECTS: Dry or irritated throat, hoarseness or coughing may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: rash, sore throat, mouth sores, swelling of the face, wheezing, breathing trouble, vision changes. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following signs of low steroid levels: unusual weakness, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, fainting, dizziness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Before you use this drug, tell your doctor your medical history including: all illnesses and infections, recent exposures to contagious diseases (e.g., chickenpox), glaucoma, cataracts, allergies (especially drug allergies). If within the past 12 months you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone) to this inhaler, or if you had been using this product in higher-than-usual doses and suddenly stopped using it, 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 infection, surgery or injury. Consult your doctor. If you cough up mucus that has thickened or changed color from clear white to yellow, green, or gray, contact your doctor; these changes may be signs of an infection. Children and teenagers should be monitored for proper growth patterns while using any corticosteroid medicine. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take especially of: oral corticosteroids, other asthma medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. NOTES: This medication is for preventative therapy only. Maximum benefit results from regular use as prescribed. It is not effective in an acute asthma attack. If an asthma attack occurs, contact your doctor. Inform all your doctors you use (or have used) this medication. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered. Use the remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. STORAGE: Store inhaler at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat and open flame as it is under pressure. Each inhaler contains approximately 100 doses. MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).