The Pulmicort inhaler contains the active substance budesonide, which is a corticosteroid. Like other steroid-based inhalers, it reduces inflammation in your lungs and prevents swelling. It reduces your risk of asthma symptoms and makes it easier for you to breathe. It takes time to work and can not be used to relieve symptoms. As Pulmicort contains the corticosteroid budesonide, it should not be used in addition to steroid tablets.

Pulmicort can not be used to reduce acute symptoms. You need to use a reliever inhaler alongside your treatment every time you notice symptoms. Your GP will prescribe a salbutamol inhaler for this purpose.

Like other preventer inhalers, Pulmicort is used on a daily basis. Depending on the severity of your symptoms you may need to use it once or twice a day. Your prescribing GP will tell you how often you need to use your inhaler and whether you should take one or two inhalations every time. Always follow your GP’s instructions as your asthma symptoms may worsen otherwise, putting you at risk of a severe asthma attack. Do not stop using Pulmicort, even if you feel that your symptoms have improved.

The pulmicort inhaler is available in the dosages:

• Pulmicort Turbohaler 100 - 200 doses which contain 100 micrograms of budesonide each
• Pulmicort Turbohaler 200 - 100 doses which contain 200 micrograms of budesonide each
• Pulmicort Turbohaler 400 - 50 doses which contain 400 micrograms of budesonide each

When you first start using Pulmicort you might find that your symptoms improve within the first two days of treatment. Some patients, however, do not notice an improvement until four weeks into the treatment. If your symptoms worsen, you must see your doctor to discuss your treatment.

You need to prepare your Turbohaler for the first use. To prepare it for the first inhalation, remove the white lid. Hold the inhaler upright and turn the base as far as possible in one direction without holding on to the mouthpiece. Turn the grip as far as possible in one direction and then in the other. You will hear a clicking sound, which indicates that your inhaler is ready for use.

To take an inhalation, follow these steps:

1. Remove the white cover.

2. Hold the inhaler upright. The brown base should be at the bottom.

3. You need to load your inhaler. To load it, turn the brown base as far as possible in one direction, then in the other. You will hear a clicking sound when the inhaler has been loaded with one dose. Do not hold on to the mouthpiece while loading the inhaler.

4. Your Turbohaler is now ready to use. Breathe out without breathing into the inhaler and place the mouthpiece between your teeth without biting it.

5. Breathe in as hard and deeply as possible.

6. Take the mouthpiece out of your mouth and breathe out gently.

If you need to take another inhalation, repeat step 2 - 6. Replace the cover once you have taken your last inhalation. Rinse your mouth to prevent oral thrush (a fungal infection which is sometimes caused by Pulmicort). Use a dry tissue to clean your inhaler at least once a week.