Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide-inh). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide-inh) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide-inh). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• bad taste in mouth after taking the medication
• cough
• Diarrhea
• dryness of the throat
• headache
• hoarseness
• nausea
• thirst
• throat irritation
• tiredness

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• behavior changes (children)
• easy or unexplained bruising
• nervousness
• restlessness
• signs of Depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
• skin rash
• slowed growth (children and adolescents)
• symptoms of adrenal insufficiency (tiredness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle or joint pain)
• white patches in the mouth or throat

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (e.g., Hives; difficulty breathing; or swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue)
• wheezing or difficulty breathing right after inhaling the medication

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide-inh).

100 µg
Each inhalation of dry powder delivers 100 µg of micronized budesonide. Nonmedicinal ingredients: No additives or carrier substances are included.

200 µg
Each inhalation of dry powder delivers 200 µg of micronized budesonide. Nonmedicinal ingredients: No additives or carrier substances are included.

400 µg
Each inhalation of dry powder delivers 400 µg of micronized budesonide. Nonmedicinal ingredients: No additives or carrier substances are included.

Do not use Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide-inh) if you:

• are allergic to budesonide or any ingredients of the medication
• are having an asthma attack
• have active or inactive lung Tuberculosis
• have an untreated fungal, bacterial, or viral lung infection
• have status asthmaticus (severe, unresponsive asthma)

There may be an interaction between budesonide and any of the following:

• Aldesleukin
• "azole" antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, Voriconazole)
• Ceritinib
• clarithromycin
• Deferasirox
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene)
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
• hyaluronidase
• mifepristone
• nefazodone

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide-inh). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide-inh).

Asthma control: Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide-inh) is not for use as a "reliever" medication. If you start developing an asthma attack, be sure to use your "reliever" medication for rapid relief of your asthma symptoms. Contact your doctor immediately if you find you are using your "reliever" medications (e.g., salbutamol, terbutaline, formoterol) more often or if they are not working as well as they used to. This may mean your asthma is not controlled. Your doctor may want you to temporarily change the dose of Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide-inh) or may start you on an oral corticosteroid.

Infections: Infections such as Chickenpox and Measles can be more serious in people taking medications like budesonide. If you are exposed to someone with chickenpox or measles, contact your doctor.

Liver problems: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide-inh) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with our doctor how Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide-inh) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide-inh), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you have cirrhosis, your doctor may monitor you more closely for side effects.

Oral hygiene: Adequate oral hygiene, such as rinsing your mouth with water after using Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide-inh), helps reduce the chances of developing a yeast infection of the mouth or throat (thrush). If you develop symptoms of thrush, such as white patches in your mouth, contact your doctor.

Steroid medication use: If you have taken or are still taking an oral steroid medication (e.g., Prednisone) during the last several months, consult your doctor before using Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide-inh). In times of stress or during a severe asthma attack, your doctor may want you to start your steroid medication again.

Stopping medication: Do not stop Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide-inh) abruptly. When Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide-inh) is stopped, it should be stopped gradually, as directed by your doctor.

Pregnancy: Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide-inh) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide-inh), contact your doctor.

Breast-feeding: Budesonide passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide-inh), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide-inh) have not been established for children less than 6 years of age. Children may experience slowing of growth while using Pulmicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide-inh). Your doctor will monitor for this. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.