Pulmicort is a brown and white preventer inhaler and is used daily to prevent asthma symptoms. Pulmicort contains the active ingredient budesonide, which helps with asthma by reducing inflammation and swelling in the lungs.

What is Pulmicort used for?

Pulmicort is used for preventing asthma symptoms. It is usually prescribed daily to stop asthma symptoms before they happen. Pulmicort helps as it contains the corticosteroid called budesonide. Budesonide can stop and reduce inflammation and swelling in the lungs caused by asthma, making it easier to breathe. It should not be used to relieve symptoms as they happen, for this you should also have another inhaler known as a ‘reliever’ inhaler.

What is a Turbohaler?

A turbohaler is the name for an inhaler which is made of dry powder. You are not likely to feel the dry powder in your mouth as long as you use your turbohaler properly.

Is Pulmicort a steroid?

Yes, Pulmicort does contain a corticosteroid called budesonide so it should not be used with any other steroid medication unless your doctor has told you to do so.

Is Pulmicort the same as Symbicort?

While similar, Pulmicort and Symbicort are not the same, and cannot be used alongside each other. Pulmicort is similar to Symbicort, as they both contain the corticosteroid called budesonide. But, Symbicort also contains another medication called formoterol. Formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator, which means it can relax and open the airways, making it easier for people with asthma to breathe.

Pulmicort works by inhaling 1 to 2 puffs, once or twice a day to prevent asthma symptoms. Your doctor will advise you on the correct dose. Budesonide, which is the corticosteroid in the inhaler, can be breathed into the lungs to stop and reduce inflammation and swelling in the lungs of asthma patients. There are different dosages that can be used to control your asthma and your doctor will discuss this with you before prescribing.

Pulmicort doses

Your doctor will provide you with the correct dose depending on your symptoms. They may recommend taking Pulmicort once or twice per day.

Usually, for adults the dosages are suggested to be:

• 200 to 400 micrograms once daily, for patients with mild to moderate asthma and have not used inhaled corticosteroids before
• up to 800 micrograms, twice daily, for patients with mild to moderate asthma and who already use inhaled corticosteroids regularly

These doses can be reviewed by your doctor to maintain the best asthma control for your symptoms.

A Pulmicort inhaler should be used as instructed to get the best relief from your asthma symptoms. When you need to take your inhaler, follow these steps:

1. Remove the cover and hold the inhaler in an upright position.
2. Load the inhaler with a dose. Make sure you do not hold the mouthpiece while doing this. Turn the base as far as it will go in one direction and then repeat for the other direction. You should then hear a clicking sound, this means it’s loaded and ready to be used. Only do this when you need to use it.
3. Breathe out as much as you can before putting the inhaler in your mouth.
4. Put the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips. Breathe in as hard and deeply as you can and be sure not to bite down on the mouthpiece.
5. Once you have taken the dose, remove the inhaler from your mouth and breathe out gently.
6. If you have been prescribed to take more than 1 puff, repeat these steps again.
7. Put the cover back on and store your inhaler.
8. Rinse your mouth with water once you have finished taking your dose. This is to remove any dry powder still in your mouth and can prevent some side effects, such as thrush.

The steps to use your Pulmicort inhaler will also be found in the patient information sheet.

When should I use my inhaler?

You should use your inhaler as prescribed by your doctor. If you need to use it twice daily, space your doses evenly in the day such as in the morning and the evening. If you are prescribed Pulmicort once daily, it is better to take it in the evening. Pulmicort is used to prevent symptoms, so if you have symptoms, you should use your ‘reliever’ inhaler.

How long does a Pulmicort Inhaler take to work?

A Pulmicort inhaler will work differently for every person who uses it. If taken properly, it can help with asthma symptoms and improve breathing in 2 days, but can take up to 4 weeks for the best effect. That is why you should not stop taking the inhaler if your symptoms go away. Speak to a doctor if your breathing is getting worse with your inhaler or your chest feels more tight than usual, as this may mean Pulmicort is not working for you or you need a higher dose.

How often can I use my Pulmicort inhaler?

You should use your Pulmicort inhaler as many times as it has been prescribed. It should be used daily, 1 to 2 times in the day. You may be prescribed more often than this. If you feel as if you need more of your inhaler, speak to your doctor.

How many puffs of Pulmicort is safe?

You should always take your prescribed dose but too many puffs are not likely to cause any harm. If you are worried that you have taken too many puffs, or feel like you need more, speak to your doctor. If you miss a dose, do not give yourself a double dose.

How long does my Pulmicort inhaler last?

Each Pulmicort inhaler contains either 50,100, or 200 doses. This will depend on which strength you have been prescribed. This means if you are taking 1 puff each day, your inhaler could last for 50-200 days. You can work out how long your inhaler will last when you know how many doses it contains or by asking your doctor. Look for a red mark on the window of the inhaler, this tells you that your inhaler is running low and there are around 20 puffs left.

How to maintain your Pulmicort inhaler

To keep your Pulmicort inhaler in working order, be sure to clean it once a week. You can do this with a dry tissue or cloth, by wiping the outside of the mouthpiece. Never try to clean your inhaler with liquids or water, as the dry powder inside the inhaler is sensitive to liquids.

How to store your Pulmicort inhaler

When storing your Pulmicort inhaler, put it in a safe place away from children and hot places. Make sure to keep the cover on when you are not using your inhaler to keep it clean. Do not use it after the expiry date. When you have finished using Pulmicort, speak to a pharmacist so they can throw away your inhaler safely.

You can get Pulmicort online, from retailers such as Superdrug Online Doctor, or from your GP. You must already be taking Pulmicort having been prescribed it by a GP before you can get repeat prescriptions from Superdrug Online Doctor.

Can I get Pulmicort online?

Yes, through trusted and regulated sellers like Superdrug Online Doctor. The process is easy and can be done via our website:

1. Fill in an easy, secure medical questionnaire. Here, you will be able to answer questions about your symptoms and other medical information.
2. One of the doctors will then review your questionnaire and confirm that this treatment is safe for you.
3. Your prescription Pulmicort turbohaler can then be dispensed for you to collect in-store at any Superdrug, delivered to your home address, or collected at your local Post Office.
4. If you have any further questions, you can contact a doctor via your account at any time, for free.

Can I get Pulmicort over the counter?

No, Pulmicort is a prescription only medication, so you can only get it after a doctor has prescribed it for you. You cannot get it over the counter from a pharmacy without a prescription.

Can I get Pulmicort on the NHS?

Yes, you can get Pulmicort on the NHS. You may find it under the branded name Pulmicort, or it may come unbranded.

As with any medication, Pulmicort may have side effects. It is unlikely to have serious side effects from Pulmicort, but call 111 or 999 if you have any rare side effects. With milder side effects, speak with your doctor if they bother you or go on beyond a few days.

The most common side effects of Pulmicort include:

• thrush of the mouth (redness inside the mouth with white patches)
• sore throat
• coughing
• breathing difficulties

Uncommon effects include:

• depression
• feeling restless or nervous
• muscle cramps
• blurry vision or cataracts
• shaking

Rare side effects include:

• problems sleeping
• bruising
• loss or change in voice
• serious allergic reaction

Extended use of Pulmicort

Using Pulmicort for a long time on a higher dose is more likely to cause serious side effects, so speak to a doctor straight away if you notice:

• signs of an infection such as a cough, fever, sore throat, or pain in the ears
• changes to your vision
• weight gain, especially in the face, back, or belly
• signs of adrenal gland problems such as vomiting, tiredness, dizziness, weight loss, or mood changes

Can you overdose on Pulmicort?

It is unlikely, but if you are worried, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist.

Does Pulmicort cause weight gain?

Pulmicort does not contain enough steroids to cause weight gain and this is not listed in the side effects. If you use Pulmicort for a longer time, you may see weight gain but this may be due to a different condition called Cushing’s Syndrome and is uncommon.

Pulmicort is not the right choice for every asthma patient, which is why you should speak to a doctor before using it. Some medications may interact with Pulmicort and make it work differently inside your body. If you have other medical conditions or are allergic to budesonide, Pulmicort may not be right for you.

Pulmicort drug interactions

There are some medications that could interact with Pulmicort, meaning it will not have the best effect for you. Speak to a doctor before taking Pulmicort if you take any medications, and especially:

• medication for fungal infections
• steroids
• medication to treat HIV

Pulmicort and other conditions

Pulmicort is not suitable for every patient who has asthma and you should tell your doctor if you:

• have liver problems
• are allergic to budesonide
• have a lung infection
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have a chest infection, cold, or any other problems that can affect your breathing
• have, or have ever had tuberculosis (TB)