Pulmicort Turbohaler
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Pulmicort turbohaler is an asthma inhaler prescribed to prevent symptoms. It contains the corticosteroid budesonide. If you have been using Pulmicort for at least three months, you can order your medication online from Superdrug Online Doctor.
To order Pulmicort online, answer the questions on our brief questionnaire. One of our online doctors will review your order and approve appropriate treatment.
Please note: due to exceptionally high demand we are currently out of stock for Pulmicort. Please see our asthma treatment page for alternatives.
| Pulmicort Turbohaler 100µg | £40 |
| Pulmicort Turbohaler 200µg | £40 |
Prices include prescription and delivery. Product packaging may differ from image above.
In a hurry? Choose Click and Collect and pick up your order after just 3 hours from a Superdrug Pharmacy.
Order a Pulmicort Inhaler Online
How does Pulmicort work?
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.
Dosage
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.
How to use the Pulmicort inhaler
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.
Side Effects of Pulmicort
Stop using Pulmicort if you experience:
- sudden wheezing after using your inhaler (use a reliever inhaler if this happens)
- swelling of the face and mouth
- rash, itching or hives
- bronchospasm and breathing problems
If you notice any of these side effects stop using your medication and consult a doctor immediately.
Like all medications that contain steroids, Pulmicort can cause a rare condition called ‘central serous chorioretinopathy’. This is an eye condition, so if you have problems with your sight while taking Pulmicort you need to seek medical attention immediately.
Common Side Effects
- oral thrush (a fungal infection)
- a hoarse voice
- coughing
- mild sore throat
Tell your doctor before using Pulmicort if:
- you have a lung or chest infection or a cold
- you have or have had tuberculosis
- you have liver problems
- you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant
- you are breastfeeding
- you are taking any other medication containing steroids
- you are taking any medicines to treat fungal infections (for example itraconazole and ketoconazole)
- you are taking any medication to treat HIV
Do not use Pulmicort if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
For a full list of possible side effects and warnings read the patient leaflet.