Budesonide also comes as tablets, capsules, nasal spray, an enema and rectal foam to treat other conditions.
What budesonide inhalers are for
Budesonide inhalers contain a steroid medicine that’s used to treat asthma.
They’re called preventer inhalers because they can:
- reduce the chance of having an asthma attack
- control asthma symptoms
A preventer inhaler is different to the reliever inhaler that you use during an asthma attack.
Some inhalers contain budesonide and another medicine and can be used to treat asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Some of them are used as both a preventer and reliever inhaler.
How to use budesonide inhalers
Budesonide usually comes as an inhaler you use once or twice a day.
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist, nurse or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to use it or have any problems taking it.
Your GP, a nurse or pharmacist will show you how to use your inhaler. Sometimes you may use a clear plastic tube called a spacer to attach to the inhaler. This makes it easier to breathe in your medicine.
When using budesonide:
- use the inhaler exactly as you’ve been shown
- try to use it at the same time each day
- rinse your mouth with water after using your inhaler and spit the water out
Budesonide can also be given using a nebuliser. This device lets you breathe in your medicine as a fine mist.
While using budesonide, you may be given a steroid alert card.
If a child is prescribed budesonide, they'll have their height checked regularly by their doctor. This is because steroids can sometimes affect how children grow.
Important
Do not stop using your budesonide inhaler suddenly or without talking to your doctor first, even if you feel well. Stopping could make your asthma worse.
Always take the exact dose prescribed by your GP. If your asthma symptoms are not well controlled and you're having to use your inhalers more often, speak to your GP. They may need to review your asthma medicines.
If you miss a dose of budesonide
If you forget to use your budesonide inhaler, take your dose as soon as you remember unless it’s nearly time for your next dose.
If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten one.
If you take too much budesonide
Do not worry if you sometimes use more budesonide than you should. But avoid regularly using too much because it can increase the risk of side effects.
Non-urgent advice: Speak to a pharmacist if:
- you've used more budesonide than it says on the packet, leaflet or prescription and it’s causing any symptoms such as a sore throat or oral thrush
Side effects of budesonide inhalers
Like all medicines, budesonide inhalers can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of budesonide inhalers include:
- a headache
- oral thrush (mouth thrush)
- a croaky or hoarse voice
- sore throat
Budesonide inhalers will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery.
Non-urgent advice: Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:
- you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away
They may be able to give you advice about how you can reduce the side effects. Keep taking your medicine unless you’re advised to stop.
Find a pharmacySerious side effects
Budesonide inhalers can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.
Possible serious side effects of inhaled budesonide include:
- an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – which can cause symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing
- sudden difficulty breathing due to restricted airways – use your reliever inhaler if this happens
- glaucoma or cataracts – causing problems with your eyes such as blurred vision, double vision or eye pain
- adrenal insufficiency – causing symptoms such as vomiting, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, mood changes or feeling dizzy, faint or very tired
Immediate action required: Call 999 if:
- you're using a budesonide inhaler and think you might be having anaphylaxis, or you're having severe difficulty breathing and your reliever inhaler has not helped
If you think you're having any other serious side effect, call NHS 111.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of budesonide inhalers.
For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot use budesonide inhalers
Most adults can use budesonide inhalers.
They are sometimes also prescribed for children aged 6 years or older.
But budesonide inhalers are not suitable for everyone. For example, they may not be suitable if:
- you've had an allergic reaction or other serious side effects from budesonide or another steroid inhaler
- you have tuberculosis (TB)
- you have liver disease
Before using a budesonide inhaler, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and budesonide inhalers
You can usually use a budesonide inhaler while breastfeeding.
It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicine you're taking, but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.
Pregnancy and budesonide inhalers
You can usually use budesonide inhalers if you're pregnant. It’s important that your asthma is controlled, to keep you and your baby safe.
Using budesonide inhalers with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with budesonide inhalers.
This includes:
- steroid tablets or steroid nasal sprays (corticosteroids)
- some antifungal medicines, taken as tablets or capsules
- antiviral medicines, such as ritonavir or cobicistat for HIV
Before using a budesonide inhaler, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food, drink and alcohol with budesonide inhalers
You can eat and drink as normal while using a budesonide inhaler.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or a doctor for advice – if you recently started taking it, you can get help with newly prescribed medicines from a pharmacist as part of the New Medicine Service