Pulmicort Turbohaler is a preventer inhaler used to manage asthma symptoms by preventing them from happening. It contains a corticosteroid called budesonide that reduces airway swelling, helping keep asthma under control. A Pulmicort inhaler requires a prescription from a doctor.

You will also need a reliever inhaler that contains a fast-acting bronchodilator, like salbutamol, if you have a Pulmicort Turbohaler. This is because Pulmicort will not relieve sudden asthma symptoms. You will need to use your brown inhaler every day as your doctor tells you to, and carry your separate reliever inhaler with you at all times in case you have an asthma attack.

The Pulmicort Turbohaler contains budesonide, a type of steroid, that binds to receptors in the airways to stop the production of inflammatory messengers that cause swelling and inflammation. By managing the underlying inflammation, Pulmicort Turbohaler prevents asthma attacks over time.

The Pulmicort Turbohaler is a dry powder inhaler (DPI) that delivers the medication as a dry powder. It is also breath-activated, so you need to forcefully and deeply inhale through your mouth to release the medication and deliver it into your lungs. This is different from a pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI), which uses propellant gases to send the medication into your airways.

How quickly does Pulmicort work?

It can take up to 4 weeks to notice the full benefits of using a Pulmicort Turbohaler to manage asthma. You may notice that you wheeze less or feel less breathless within 3 to 7 days of starting treatment.

You should use the Pulmicort Turbohaler exactly as your doctor tells you to, but it is usually used every day, twice a day. Your doctor will show you how to use it and tell you how many puffs you need based on your symptoms.

Before using a Pulmicort Turbohaler for the first time, you need to prepare it by:

1. Unscrewing the white cover and lifting it off.

2. Hold the inhaler with the brown base at the bottom. Turn the brown base as far as it will go in 1 direction and then turn it back as far as it will go in the opposite direction. You should hear a click. Do this twice.

Once you have performed this action, the inhaler is now ready for use. Do not repeat the action again. To use the Pulmicort Turbohaler, you need to:

3. Holding the inhaler away from your mouth, breathe out gently as far as you feel comfortable.

4. Place the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips. Breathe in through your mouth as deeply and as hard as you can.

5. Remove the Pulmicort Turbohaler from your mouth and then breathe out gently.

6. If you need to take another puff, repeat steps 2 to 5.

7. Replace the mouthpiece cover by screwing it back on tightly.

8. Rinse your mouth with water after inhaling your dose.

When should I use my Pulmicort Turbohaler?

Your doctor will tell you if you need to use the inhaler once or twice a day.

How often should I use my Pulmicort Turbohaler?

The usual Pulmicort Turbohaler dose is 1 or 2 puffs, twice a day. You should use your inhaler once in the morning and once in the evening. If your doctor has told you to only use the Pulmicort Turbohaler once a day, you should use it at the same time every evening.

Looking after your Pulmicort Turbohaler will help to keep it working effectively. You should clean the inhaler once a week by wiping the outside of the mouthpiece with a dry tissue. Do not use water or liquids to clean the inhaler.

You can store your inhaler by:

• keeping it out of reach of children
• not storing it above 30℃
• always making sure the mouthpiece cover is securely screwed on
• using the inhaler before the expiry date

You must have a prescription from a doctor to get a Pulmicort Turbohaler. Once you do, you can get it on the NHS or from private online doctor services.

Can I buy a Pulmicort Turbohaler online?

Yes, you can request a repeat Pulmicort Turbohaler online from Superdrug Online Doctor if you have been:

• diagnosed with asthma
• prescribed Pulmicort Turbohaler by a GP
• attending your annual asthma reviews with your GP

To order a repeat Pulmicort Turbohaler from us, you’ll need to:

1. Fill in a brief questionnaire about your health and lifestyle.
2. Order your preferred choice of treatment and make payment.
3. One of our doctors will review your order and questionnaire answers.
4. If your order is approved, your treatment will be posted directly to your address or made available for collection at a Superdrug Pharmacy.
5. If your order is not right for you, one of our doctors will contact you via your account with other suitable options.

Can I buy a Pulmicort Turbohaler over the counter?

No, you will need a prescription from a doctor to get a Pulmicort Turbohaler. That means it cannot be bought over the counter.

Can I get a Pulmicort Turbohaler on the NHS?

Yes, you can get Pulmicort Turbohaler on the NHS, but you will need to make an appointment with your doctor to find out if it is suitable for you and available in your area.

Pulmicort Turbohaler can cause side effects, but not everyone will get them.

Common side effects, affecting up to 1 in 10 people, include:

• thrush in the mouth
• sore throat
• coughing
• hoarse voice

Uncommon side effects, affecting up to 1 in 100 people, are:

• feeling worried, nervous, or restless
• depression
• trembling and shaking
• clouding of the lens in the eye (cataracts)
• muscle cramps
• blurred vision

Rare side effects, affecting up to 1 in 1,000 people, are:

• sleep issues
• feeling overexcited or irritable
• bruising
• loss of voice

A full list of potential Pulmicort Turbohaler side effects can be found in the patient information leaflet that comes with your inhaler.

How long do Pulmicort Turbohaler side effects last?

Most people find that mild and common Pulmicort Turbohaler side effects are usually temporary and go away on their own within a few days to weeks as your body gets used to the medication. If you get any side effects that are difficult to manage, are not getting better or are getting worse, contact your doctor.

What to do if you get Pulmicort Turbohaler side effects

Most mild side effects will improve with time, but there are steps you can take to better manage them:

• oral thrush and sore throat – rinse your mouth with water after every use, stay hydrated, and speak to your pharmacist about over-the-counter treatments
• asthma symptoms that get worse – keep using your Pulmicort Turbohaler, but contact your doctor as soon as possible because you may need a different treatment
• anxiety, nervousness, or mood changes – try meditation and breathing exercises and speak to your doctor so they can help find out the cause

If you get any of the following serious side effects, stop using Pulmicort Turbohaler and contact your doctor immediately. In case of an emergency, call 999 or get someone to take you to A&E:

• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, eyes, or ears
• rash
• itching
• hives
• wheezing

A Pulmicort Turbohaler may not be suitable for everyone. Do not use it if you are allergic to budesonide or any other ingredients listed in the medication.

Let your doctor know before using Pulmicort if you have:

• a lung infection
• a cold, chest infection, or any problems with breathing
• or have ever had tuberculosis (TB)
• liver problems

You should also tell your doctor before taking Pulmicort if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you might be pregnant, or planning to have a baby.

Other medications and Pulmicort Turbohaler

Some medications can interfere with how the Pulmicort Turbohaler works and vice versa. Before using your inhaler, let your doctor know if you are taking any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications, especially:

• any other steroid medications
• medications used to treat fungal infections, such as itraconazole or ketoconazole
• HIV medications (ritonavir or cobicistat-containing products)

Is Pulmicort the same as Ventolin?

No, Pulmicort is a preventer inhaler that contains the steroid budesonide and is used daily to prevent asthma symptoms by reducing inflammation in the airways. Ventolin is a reliever inhaler which is used as and when it is needed, such as during an asthma attack. It contains a fast-acting bronchodilator called salbutamol that works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the lungs, opening up the airways, and making it easier to breathe.

What is the difference between Pulmicort 100 and 200?

The main difference between Pulmicort 100 and 200 is the strength of budesonide that is delivered with each dose. For example:

• Pulmicort Turbohaler 100 delivers 100 micrograms (mcg) of budesonide per dose
• Pulmicort Turbohaler 200 delivers 200mcg of budesonide per dose

Does Pulmicort stop coughing?

No, Pulmicort will not stop a cough caused by a cold or flu or an asthma attack that has already started. Instead, it is taken daily to prevent asthma symptoms, including coughing and wheezing, over time.

Is Pulmicort or Symbicort better?

Pulmicort and Symbicort are both effective asthma medications that contain budesonide. However, Pulmicort is a preventer inhaler that is used every day to stop asthma symptoms from happening, while Symbicort is a combination inhaler which also contains a bronchodilator called formoterol. Symbicort can be used as and when needed, like a reliever inhaler, as part of an AIR plan or every day, as well as during asthma symptom flare ups as part of a MART plan. Some people may continue to use Symbicort alongside a separate blue reliever inhaler. If you have a Pulmicort Turbohaler, you will also need a blue reliever inhaler.

What is a Pulmicort Flexhaler?

A Pulmicort Flexhaler is a type of inhaler that also delivers budesonide but is available in 90 or 180mcg strengths. It is designed for anyone over the age of 6. A Pulmicort Flexhaler is not available in the UK.