Budesonide inhalers come in different strengths. Your doctor or specialist nurse will tell you which strength is right for you. Always follow their instructions.
Dosage
The usual dose for budesonide inhalers as a preventer for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is 1 or 2 puffs, once or twice a day.
Your doctor or asthma nurse may tell you to have more than 2 puffs at a time from your inhaler. It depends on how bad your breathing is and which inhaler you're using.
If you use your inhaler once a day, it may work better if you take it in the evening.
If your inhaler also contains formoterol (a bronchodilator), your doctor or asthma nurse might tell you to also use it when you're wheezy or your chest feels tight. This can be up to 12 puffs a day in total. Let your doctor know if you need to use more than 8 puffs in a day.
It's important to use your budesonide inhaler regularly, even if you do not have any symptoms. This helps to manage your symptoms.
Changes to your dose
Your dose may go up or down depending on how bad your breathing is. You'll be prescribed the lowest dose that controls your symptoms.
If you've agreed a personal action plan with your doctor or nurse, follow your action plan.
Different types of inhalers
There are different types of budesonide inhaler, including:
- pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) – these give the medicine in a spray form (aerosol), and you can use these with a spacer
- breath actuated inhalers (BAIs) – these release a spray of medicine as you inhale
- dry powder inhalers (DPIs) – these give the medicine in the form of a dry powder instead of a spray
Speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about which inhaler type is best for you or your child.
How to use your inhaler
It's very important to use your inhaler properly. This is so you get the right amount of budesonide into your lungs and the most benefit from your medicine.
Before using your inhaler, read the information leaflet that comes with it. This leaflet contains instructions and diagrams to show you how to use the inhaler, how to keep it clean, and how long to use it before getting a replacement.
After using your inhaler, always put the lid back on to keep it clean.
If you or your child finds it difficult to use one type of inhaler, speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about trying a different type.
Important
Do not use a budesonide inhaler that belongs to anyone else, even if they're a friend or relative, because it may be different to yours. Their inhaler might contain a different dose of budesonide.
Using an inhaler with a spacer
If you're using a pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI), your doctor or nurse may give you a spacer to make it easier to use. Spacers can also reduce the risk of steroid side effects affecting your mouth and throat.
A spacer is recommended for anyone using a pMDI that contains a steroid, especially with high doses, and always for children aged 15 years old and under.
A spacer is a plastic container with a mouthpiece and a hole for the inhaler. It makes it easier to get the right amount of budesonide into your lungs. For young children, they're available with a face mask.
Do not change your spacer without speaking to a doctor or nurse first. Different spacers can give you different amounts of medicine.
Your doctor, nurse or a pharmacist can show you how to use a spacer with your inhaler.
Check your inhaler technique
To get the most from your inhaler, it's important to have your technique checked regularly.
If you're not sure how to use your inhaler, or your technique has not been checked for a year, ask your doctor, nurse or a pharmacist to watch you use it.
Watch a video
Asthma + Lung UK has some short videos showing you how to use your inhaler to help you manage your symptoms. You can search by type of inhaler (such as Turbohaler, Spiromax or Easyhaler).
Important: Risk of choking
Remove the mouthpiece cover completely before using your inhaler. Check the inside and outside of the mouthpiece to make sure it's clean and there's nothing inside it. Shake the inhaler 4 or 5 times to remove any loose objects.
After use, replace the mouthpiece cover straight away. Firmly push it and make sure it clicks into place.
Always store your inhaler with the mouthpiece cover on.
How long to use it for
You'll usually use your budesonide inhaler for a long time. It helps prevent your asthma or COPD getting worse.
It's important to keep using your inhaler even if you feel better.
Do not stop using budesonide without speaking to your doctor or nurse first.
If you have an inhaler to control your asthma or COPD, your breathing problems may return if you suddenly stop using it. You might feel wheezy or short of breath. Your chest may feel tight and you could start to cough.
Suddenly stopping treatment can make you feel unwell. Symptoms can include feeling drowsy, sick or tired, headaches and loss of appetite.
If you forget to use it
Use your inhaler as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed one and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not take extra doses to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
Do not stop using budesonide suddenly, even if you feel better, without speaking to your doctor or nurse first.
If you use too much
Using too much budesonide is unlikely to harm you.
If you're worried, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist.
Steroid cards
If you're using a steroid inhaler regularly, ask your doctor, nurse or a pharmacist if you need to carry a blue steroid card, or a red steroid emergency card, or both.
Important
If you need any medical or dental treatment, show your blue or red steroid card to the doctor, dentist or pharmacist so they know you're taking budesonide.